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FAN-TAILED NYMPHS. 



THE GOLDFISH 

AND ITS SYSTEMATIC CULTURE 

A THOROUGH QUID! FOR 

GOLDFISH KEEPING AND GOLDFISH BREEDING 

IN THE HOUSE AND OUT-OF-DOORS 

THE 

CONSTRUCTION AND CARE OF THE PARLOR AQUARIUM 

AND PONDS FOR BREEDING 



HUGO MULERTT 

Corresponding Member of the Imperial Russian Society for the 
Acclimatization of Animals and Plants 

Editor and Publisher of "THE Aquarium" 





T 




43., 



With Colored Frontispiece, Twelve Plates and many Text Illustrations from Nature 



BROOKLYN-NEW YORK. 



THIRD EDITION 



THE LIBRAi?y OF 
CONQRE8S. 

~r>»r) CcwM Rfociveo 

fincv9u»rr enTWV 



<i4 










/ f o Z. 



Entered according to act of Congress, in the years 1883, iSgfi and 1902, bv 

HUGO MULERTT, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 

Right of translation reserved. 




I JijiOPKLVN Eagle, I ' 'j' 
■ {*rIn-{ivks Knd B:hf4B^i« \ 
Brooklyn, N. Y. 



PREFACE. 



/H^HERE are not many, if any, homes in the country or suburbs 
^ of large cities where fish cuhure could not be indulged in, 
either as an agreeable pastime or with a view of realizing an 
income from it. 

Being accidentally drawn into the culture of ornamental fish 
through a genuine love of Natural History, I have, for the past 
ten years, given it my exclusive attention. 

The originality of the method I describe in the following pages 
I claim as my own, and it has been my earnest endeavor to speak 
plainly and to the point, giving the full results of my long 
experience, not intentionally withholding any facts or secrets that 
would in any way have a bearing upon the success of the business. 

This method has the decided advantage of applying equally to 
the culture of goldfish, no matter upon what scale it is carried on, 
whether the establishment is intended to produce hundreds of 
thousands of fish annually, or be engaged in with limited means 
by the deserving widow or invalid who wishes to add something to 
a restricted income. 

With these objects in view, and to promote a more thorough 
knowledge of the goldfish, as well as to stimulate the study ot 
Natural History, I have made every exertion, and should my 
efforts meet with the approval of an intelligent public, I shall 
consider that I have not labored in vain. 

HUGO MULERTT. 
Cincinnati, O., Jul)-, 1883. 



PREFACE TO THE NEW EDITION. 

Manyfold indeed were the acknowledgments of the useful- 
ness of this little volume It has been translated abroad in four 
different languages, and it is to-day used all over the civilized 
world and acknowledged authority on the subject upon which it 
treats. The scores of letters which I received from all parts of 
the world, applauding my method, are proof that the volume as 
it is, is a reliable guide. 

Only a few important additions, but no corrections, appeared 
to be necessary for this new edition. 

HUGO MULERTT. 

Brooklyn, N, Y., March, 1896. 



PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. 

I wish to thank my patrons for the kind and frank acknowl- 
edgments of the usefulness of my little volume. May this 
new, enlarged and improved edition prove as successful as a 
guide and receive as hearty a welcome by the reading public 
as did the two preceding editions. 



HUGO MULERTT. 



Brooklyn-New York, 

August, 1902. 



CONTENTS. 

PART I. 
The Goldfish and its Types. 

Chapter I. 

The Advantage of Goldfish Culture. — Culture of Pet Animals and 
ornamental Plants. Their influence 3 

Chapter II. 

The History of the Goldfish. — Its origin. Goldfish keeping in China 
and Japan. First introduction into Europe. Naturalized Goldfish in 
America. Introduction of new types 6 

Chapter III. 

The Goldfish and its Habits. — A product of artificial propagation. De- 
generated stock on Long Island. Cause of degeneration. Scientific 
name of the fish. General characteristics of the Genus. Habitat 
and food. Their mode of reproduction. The coloring process. 
Growth. Enemies. The memory of Goldfish. Tame Goldfish.. 9 

Chapter IV. 

The Types of Goldfish. — Classification of same. Description of the 
types and their varieties. The crossing of species. The favorable 
influence of food and climate. Points for judging a goldfish. Ex- 
planation of technical terms 17 

Chapter V. 

Pseudo Goldfish and their Varieties. — Description and historical 
sketches of same 29 

iii 



IV CONTENTS. 

PART II. 

The Aquarium, its Construction and Care. 

Chapter VI. 

Their Home Within Ours. — The Aquarium. Its Location, illustra- 
ted 33 

Chapter VII. 

The Tank. — The Construction of one, illustrated. The Frame or Mantle 
for same. The Stand 39 

Chapter VIII. 

The Plants for the Aquarium. — The Purpose of the Plants. Descrip- 
tion of the best for the purpose. Caution against wild plants. 45 

Chapter IX. 

Arranging the Collection. — A list of plants for the collection. Plant- 
ing the aquatic garden. Filling the tank. Stocking the Aquarium. 
Number of Specimens 54 

Chapter X. 

General Management. — The daily care. Re-arranging the Aquarium. 59 

Chapter XI. 

Sundry Directions. — When is an Aquarium most desirable? An aqua- 
rium out-doors. When and what to feed goldfish. Tadpoles and 
snails. Conditions of the water. Tuffstone 62 



PART III. 

The Ponds and their Construction. 

Chapter XII. 

About Fish-ponds in General. — Distinction of the Name. Reason for the 
Establishment of Ponds. The Monks as Fish-culturists. Profitableness 
of Pond-culture. The German Carp. Old Establishments. Largest 
Fish-ponds on the Globe. Necessity of Pond-culture in the LTnited 
States. Consumption of food fishes in this Countr}-. Reason for it. 
Riches of the Rivers in former Days. Pisciculture compared with 
Agriculture. Culture of Ornamental Fish 67 



CONTENTS. V 

Chapter XIII. 

The Construction of Ponds for Goldfish Culture. — The Different 
kinds of Ponds. The Value of a Pond. Location or Site for the Ponds. 
Arranging the Ponds Advantageously. Ways of Constructing a Pond. 
Ponds for Different Purposes. The Number of them. Spawning, 
Rearing, Storage and Winter Ponds. Depth of the Same. The Dams. 
Their Construction. The Inlet. The Outlet. Its Construction. The 
Water Supply. The Supply Channel 71 

Chapter XIV. 
The Author's Establishment. — Illustration. Description 77 

Chapter XV. 

The Propagating Bed.— Construction of the Same. Economical use of 

Materials. Advantages of a False Bottom. Location of the Bed. 

T he Nursery. 
The Rearing Pond. — The Size of it. The Water Level. Circulation of 

the Water. Plants for the Pond. 
The Storage Pond. — Its Purposes. 
The Winter Pond.— Its Construction and Requirements. Other Winter 

Quarters 79 



PART IV. 

The Propagation and Care of the Goldfish. 

Chapter XVI. 

The Anatomy and Physiology of the Goldfish. — The Scales. The Fins. 
The Gills. The Heart. The Voice. The Air-bladder. The Stomach. 
The Eyes. Hearing. The Act of Sleeping. Taste. Smell. Reproduc- 
tion. Female Organs. The Ovary. The Oviduct. The Male. The 
Spermatic Organs The Spermatazoa. The Egg. The Fecundation of 
the Egg. The Development of the Embryo. The Perfect Fish. The 
Yolk-bag 84 

Chapter XVII. 

Propagation. — Classification of Fish. Artificial Impregnation of the Eggs 
Natural Impregnation. The Main Points in Goldfish Culture. 

Selection of Breeders. — The Season. The Condition of the Fish. Their 
Health, Shape, Color, and Habits. The Distinction of the Sexes. Ster- 
ile Goldfish. Number for a Set. Size. Age 90 



VI CONTENTS. 

Chapter XVIII. 

Preparing the Spawning Bed. — Material to Catch the Spawn. Catching 
Spawn in Open Waters. Duration of the Spawning Season. Length- 
ening of the Same. Re-mating the Breeders 95 

Chapter XIX. 

Care of the Eggs. — Advantages of an Early Season. Gathering the Eggs. 
The Incubating or Hatching Jar. Quota of Eggs to the Jar. Location 
during Hatching. Time Required for Incubation. Temperature of the 
Water. The Advantage of Hatching in jars 97 

Chapter XX. 

First Care of the Young.— Preparing the Nursery. Removal of the 
Young to the Nursery. Protection against Enemies. Transferring to 
the Rearing Pond. Manner of Catching and Handling the Fish. Tem- 
perature of the Water during the Change. Time Required 99 

Chapter XXI. 

Setting out the Young Fish. — Filling the Pond. Natural Food contained 
in the Water. Appearance of injurious Insects. Precaution necessary 
in Setting out the Young. Number of Young to each Pond. Time re- 
quired for Growth and Coloring. Fish-culture in the Parlor. Hatching 
in a glass Tumbler. Spawning in an Aquarium loi 

Chapter XXII. 

Care of the Ponds.— Condition of the Water. Time of Supplying the 
Ponds with Water. The Supply Drain. Grass and Weeds on the Dams. 
Removing extraneous Matter. Cleaning out the Ponds. Care of the 
Ponds in the Winter. Changes to be made 103 

Chapter XXIII. 

Fishing the Ponds. — Draining off the Water. Removing the Fish. Assort- 
ing them. Caution in Handling. 

Domesticating the Fish.— The Fish in the Storage Pond. The Gradual 
Change of Diet. The Quality of the Food. Domestication Completed. 
Caution to be observed near the Ponds 105 



CONTENTS. VU 

Chapter XXIV. 

Care of Fish in Stores. — Manners of Keeping them. The Supply of 
Oxygen in the Water. Plants ths means of producing it. Location of 
the Tank. Shape and Construction of the Same. Management of the 
Tank. Precaution against spread of Disease 107 

Chapter XXV 

Transportation of Fish. — The Shipping Can. Wooden Jacket Can. 
Rules of Express Companies. About Shipping. Filling of the Can. 
Time of Shipment. Delay while in the Hands of Express Companies. 
Bucket for Shipment. Shipping to great Distances. Transatlantic 
Shipping Can. Rules for Shipment. Treatment of Fish while t'« ;'<?«/<?. 
The Same when arriving in Bad Condition ... 109 



PART V. 
Enemies and Diseases of the Goldfish. Requisites, Tools, etc. 

Chapter XXVI. 

The Enemies of the Goldfish. — Goldfish Destroy their own Eggs. The 
Pond Snail. The Water Asell. The Water Flea. The Boat-fly. Its 
Destructiveness. Other Varieties. The Yellow-banded Water Beetle. 
Its Larva. The Black Water Beetle. Its Cocoon. Its Grub. How to 
destroy them. The Dragon-flies. Libellula. Aeshma. Agrion. Their 
Copulation. Mode of Depositing their Eggs. Their Grubs. Their 
Destruction and Enemies 113 

Chapter XXVII. 

The Enemies of the Goldfish, Continued. — The Crawfish. Its De- 
structive Habits. The Frogs. Useful and Destructive Varieties. 
Indirect Injuries from their Tadpoles. How to Destroy them. Pro- 
tecting the Toad. Difference of their Spawn. The Water Spider. 
Salamanders and Newts. Their Tadpoles Destructive. Adults harm- 
less to Man. Water-snakes. Safest way to Destroy them. A Snake- 
trap. Cranes and Herons. Their Mode of Fishing. The Kingfisher. 
Turtles and Alligators. The Musk-rat. Their Destructiveness. How 
to set a trap for them. The Raccoon. The Mink. The Duck. The 
Goose. The Swan, The House- rat. The Cat 122 



Viii CONTENTS. 

Chapter XXVIII. 

The Diseases of the Goldfish. Its Healthy State. Its Sickly State. 
General Causes of Disease. Asphyxia. Its Cause. Its Cure. Tuber- 
culosis. The Cause of it. Slime or Itch. Bacteriae, the Cause. 
Treatment of the Disease. Dropsy. Treatment of Specimens affected 
with it. Erysipelas. Improper Feeding the Cause. Its Prevention 
and Cure. Accidents. Assisting Nature in Healing Wounds Con- 
clusion 129 

Chapter XXIX. 
Requisites AND Tools.— Dip-nets. Glass Jars. Other Necessaries. . 137 

Chapter XXX. 

Profitableness of Goldfish Ponds. — Will it pay? Difference in 
Markets. Percentage of Young grown to Perfection. Goldfish Cul- 
ture as Out-door Recreation 1 39 

Diagrams of 

Aquarium tools 141 

Comparative, typical shapes of goldfish 142-3 



INDEX TO PLATES. 



Colored Frontispiece. — Fan-tailed Nymphs. 

Plate I. — Fringe-tailed Globe Dragons. Copied from an elaborate Chinese 
fruit-platter, 26 inches in diameter, made in province Quang se for 
Emperor Keen Lung, about 1737. Now in the possession of Geoi-ge 
E. Saulnier, Esq., of this city. The colors of the fish are deep 
vermilion on back fading to lighter on sides, and pearly white on 
the abdomen, eyes light peacock blue in light vermilion setting. 

Plate II. — Fringe-tailed Globe Telescopes. Copied from a plate about 
one hundred years old of the famous W. A. Sale's collection of old 
Chinese plates. The one nearest the upper left corner is milky 
white, the scales being edged with gold; the one next to it solid 
deep vermilion, scales edged with gold and on each a golden spot. 
The eyes of both are light blue. The middle one is jet black, 
the eyes included ; it has no dorsal fin. The lower one is deep 
vermilion, its scales are edged and spotted with gold, eyes blue. 

Plate III. — Two Fringe-tailed and One Hooded Globes. Copied from a 
piece of Cloisonne (Shippo) made recently in Japan. Colors of all, 
vermilion on back (in blotches) ; sides and abdomen delightfully 
pearly and pink ; eyes green. These and the preceding are repro- 
duced here for comparison sake. 

Plate IV. — Portrait of one of the original fringe-tailed Globes brought 
to this country by Admiral Ammen in 187S, made at that time. This 
fish was for a short time on exhibition at the old New York Aquarium 
as the $5,000 fish; $3,000 were actually offered for it and refused, 
It is the ancestor of those Mandarin Globes shown on Plate VIII., 
and of all the Comets. An aerial leaf and flower-spike of Sag. 
" Frances M," half natural size. 

Plate V. — Comet and Large-tailed Nymph. Section of an aquarium 
frami. 



X INDEX TO PLATES. 

Plate VI. — Nymphs in the act of spawning. Common Fanwort. 

Plate VII. — The Disc or Tumbler. Floating arrowhead and a rams- 
horn snail. 

Plate VIII.— Mandarin Globes three years old and Vivid Fanwort. 

Plate IX.— Fringe-tailed Globe-Telescope, dolphin-tailed Dolphin-Owl 
and Mulertt's Ludwigia. 

Plate X. — Golden-Carp and Purple-Carp. Sagittaria "New Era'" and 
Spring moss. Common pond snail (Lymnaeus fragilis). 

Plate XI. — Golden-Tench and Anacharis canadensis. 

Plate XII. — Golden Orphe. Sagittaria "Frances M." (young stage) and 
Common Hornwort. 

Note. — These correct outline illustrations are printed m tint on water- 
color paper to facilitate their being hand-painted by amateurs as 
souvenirs, either after living specimens or by following the color 
descriptions of the various types contained in this volume. 



PART I. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS TYPES. 



Chapter I. 



" — and have dominion over the fish of the 
sea and over the fowl of the air, and over 
every living thing that nioveth upon the 
earth." — Genesis I: 28. 

THE ADVANTAGE OF GOLDFISH CULTURE. 



Why was the goldfish cultivated in times immemorial, and 
why has it become a household pet with us? There must have 
been some advantage in their culture, for man, as a rule, does 
not do anything without a gain of some kind in view. 

When the Great Creator made this world and everything 
upon it, he selected man as its ma«;ter, and therefore man is 
acting in accordance with his command when, without abusing 
his privilege, he is making everything upon it subservient to 
himself, using it to his advantage. 

In the course of time, he has made a faithful companion of 
the dog and a useful servant of the horse ; fowl as well as 
ornamental birds he cultivates for the sake of their plumage 
or song ; he cultivates bees for the honey and the wax they 

3 



4 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

collect for him ; and the silkworm enjoys the attention of man 
on account of the raw material that it supplies for the manu- 
facture of beautiful ribbons. 

Of the vegetable kingdom, he cultivates not only the tree 
for the sake of its wood or the fruit it bears that he may use 
it as building material or food, but he also grows the rose- 
bush and other ornamental plants for the sake of the colors, 
perfumes, and shapes of their foliage and flowers. He culti- 
vates these near his home where his friends and he can enjoy 
their presence, or where he can easily gather a handful of 
flowers and foliage lo delight some friend or some sick per- 
son, or wherewith to decorate his table or dress. Man even 
goes so far as to build costly structures for the sole purpose 
of cultivating ornamental plants. Why does he do all this? 
Because he has discovered that the influence of foliage and 
flowers upon man is beneficial in a high degree, and to secure 
these benefits for himself he considers ample gain. Any labor 
or capital expended on their care is considered well invested 
by him. 

All that can be said in favor of the culture of ornamental 
plants, applies likewise to the culture of goldfish. The gain 
man derives from this is of a similar nature. 

The goldfish used to be looked upon as an animated toy, 
and such it is and a very interesting one at that, but since it 
has been found out what an important factor its influence is 
upon the nervous system of man, it is now more correctly seen 
as a sorrow banisher. 

The charm that is spread from an animated picture formed 
by one or more goldfish contented and silently disporting or 
moving dignifiedly about in proper surroundings, words alone 
cannot describe ; it must be experienced. Such a picture is 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 5 

continually changing and is open to endless settings at the 
option of its owner. Any observer, be he rich or poor, young 
or old, full of health or confined to the sickroom, of nervous 
disposition or otherwise, derives benefit from it. This fact is 
no longer disputed. 

The goldfish is a moving toy for the infant and a welcome 
object for the developing child to watch. The care of goldfish 
is instructive, stimulating and educational to the advanced 
child ; an interesting and entertaining ornament to the ripe 
and the declining age. 

The colors, shape?, and motions of the goldfish are so at- 
tractive and interesting, their manners so pleasing, their char- 
acter so peaceable and innocent, and their wants so modest — 
even their lack of voice is a point in their favor — that it ap- 
pears indeed as if they were designed by the Creator to enter- 
tain man and banish his sorrows. 

Goldfish, properly cared for, are a blessing to any home 
and nobody need fear that it is cruel to keep them in appa- 
rent captivity. God designed man to be their master, and if 
he treats his pets judiciously he will meet with His approval. 




Chapter II. 



THE HISTORY OF THE GOLDFISH. 



Long before the principles upon which the success of an aqua- 
rium are based were understood, goldfish were kept and tenderly 
cared for, merely because they are beautiful, and besides being in a 
sense pets, upon which to lavish much solicitude and attention, 
served the purpose of an animated ornament, than which it is diffi- 
cult to find a more beautiful and desirable substitute. The very fact 
of their being denizens of a different element than that in which 
the most familiar domestic animals and pets live, served to surround 
them with a halo of fascination that prompted their admirers to 
expend upon them any amount of time and pains to keep them in a 
flourishing condition, and ever ready to be displayed before the 
chosen guest in the household. 

Their wonderful tenacity of life, the gorgeous colors in which 
they are clothed, both contributed to make them adapted to life in 
the aquarium and grace the elaborate structures that were framed 
for the express purpose of displaying them to the best advantage. 

The goldfish, we are told, like many other things, originated in 
China, though, so far as this is concerned, its history is involved in 




Plate I. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



much obscurity. The first mention we find of it is in the "Arabian 
Nights' Entertainments," in the story of the Fisherman and the Genii, 
a story, which like those accompanying it, is of Persian origin. It 
is, however, frequently represented in the old Chinese paintings, and 
appears to have been held in great esteem, insomuch as several of 
the ancient and distinguished families among the Chinese carried it 
as a component part of the family coat of arms, or as an ornament 
upon their armor. In short, the goldfish has always been looked 
upon as a kind of superior being among the finny tribe, the ancients 
even dedicating it to their well-beloved goddess, Venus. 

In China, even at the present day, the goldfish enjoys the admi- 
ration of all, and may be seen in almost every house, inhabiting a 
richly-decorated China bowl, or disporting itself in lakelets in the 
gardens, made for its especial care and enjoyment. They are alike 
admired and beloved from the august Emperor on his throne of 
otate down to the most hurnble and impoverished peasant in the 
realm, all seeing in it an object worthy of care, and, it might be said, 
of love. So intense is the fondness for the goldfish in the land of 
Chinamen that it has begotten a study of them and their habits, that 
amounts to a science. All the resources of the knowledge of them, 
thus gained, have been exhausted in the production of new varieties 
by the crossing of different species, and with marked success. 

In the larger cities the fish are regularly brought to market and 
offered for sale, very much as our florists offer their flowers and 
plants. For that purpose they are separated into pairs, and placed 
in little vessels made of bamboo, and, together with some bit of 
water plant, are sold to ready and ever eager purchasers; the prices 
ranging according to the variety and perfection of the specimens. 

The mandarin, in person, may sometimes be seen in the markets 
buying fish for his aquaria, which, indeed, are often made of carved 
ivory, and inlaid with gold. These purchases he makes with the 



5 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

same relish and delight that one takes in making a new and valuable 
addition to his conservatory. 

The most choice and beautiful varieties are obtained from a lake 
in the province of Che-Kyang. 

The first introduction of the goldfish into Europe is variously 
dated, the years 1611, 1691 and 1728, A. D., each having claims for 
that honor; it may be said also that the variety introduced was the 
poorest and cheapest the Chinese had. 

The first seen in France, however, were those imported for the 
famous Madame de Pompadour. Soon afterwards they became quite 
common, as it was found that they throve well in the waters of South- 
ern Europe, especially in Portugal, where they sprang from a few 
small fish, said to have escaped from a vessel newly arrived from 
China. In that country they are now considered a delicacy for the 
table. It was not long until several streams in the neighborhood oi 
Lisbon absolutely swarmed with them, and it is from this source that 
all Europe became stocked with them. From Europe the fish were 
brought to America, and quickly won their way into favor. For the last 
forty years, perhaps, these fish have become wild in the United States. 
Some having accidentally escaped into open waters, they soon made 
themselves at home, became thoroughly acclimated, and in conse- 
quence the goldfish has been quoted by several authors as a native 
American fish. It is true that, having been born here, they are in 
one sense native, but are nof native in the sense, origin, as having 
originated here. Living thus in a wild state, the fish has greatly 
degenerated from the original standard. Through the efforts of 
the late Admiral Dan. Ammen, U. S. N., the cultivation of the 
goldfish in the United States has received a new impulse. 

This gentleman, but a few years ago, brought from Japan a num- 
ber of specimens of the choicest varieties which have since been 
reproduced with marked success. 



Chapter III. 
THE GOLDFISH AND ITS HABITS. 



The goldfish is a product of artificial cultivation; its ances- 
tor is, in the author's opinion, the Crucian carp [carassius sinen- 
sis), a native of China, of which the Karausche {Carassius 
vulgaris) of Germany is the European representative. The 
Chinese and other oriental people have cultivated this fish for 
many centuries as an ornament. By selecting specimens having 
accidental peculiarities in their anatomical structure or color, 
so-called "sports", as breeders, and assisted by the influence of 
climatic changes and different diet, they have gradually pro- 
duced many, more or less fixed, beautiful or odd types of gold- 
fish. 

It is a fact, that if any of the types now under cultivation 
are left to themselves in open waters unprotected, they inva- 
riably and quite soon lose their brilliant colors and peculiar 
shapes and assume the form and modest olivaceous coloring of 
the Crucian carp. 

Some twelve years ago I found in a lot of about one thou- 
sand of such carp, caught in an old out-of-the-way pool on 
Long Island, seventeen specimens, about six inches in length, 
with telescopic eyes. Most of them had but one eye thus 
shaped, but in five both eyes were telescopic and as large and 
perfectly developed to be a point of excellence to any tele- 
scope fish. When I called the attention of my regular fisher- 
man, a person who could neither read nor write, to these fish, 

9 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



he informed me that as long as thirty-five or forty years ago 
he used to fish in this pool for wild goldfish, and frequently 
caught one with such protruding eyes ("bullfrog eyes", he 
called them) and spherical body, some with remarkably large 
fins ("swollen and hunchbacked, with their tails all mixed up," 
his words). He looked upon such specimens as being deformed 
by disease, and to prevent an infection of the others in the pool 
he used to throw them ashore to die. He finally stopped fishing 
in that pool because of there being no more "goldfish " in it. 

It appears that some retired China-trader had, in the first 
half of last century, brought some of the choicest types of 
goldfish with him from China to enjoy them in this little lake 
or pool on his country-seat. After his death this home, being 
somewhat out of the way, was neglected and the fish forgotten 
until the pool was accidentally discovered by my informer. 

Now this one case, to which I could add others, should 
be sufficient to substantiate the author's opinion as recorded 
above. This man, in his ignorance, was destroying as fast as 
he could a product of science, the result of centuries of care 
and ingenuity. 

In open waters, not fished by man, the bright colored or 
slow-moving types fall a prey to fish-eating birds or to enemies 
in the water. In both cases the result is the same, a return to 
the primitive stock, the reproduction of the more modest types, 
their colors and shapes being more protective for a natural wild 
life, is encouraged to the detriment of the bright colors and 
odd shapes of others. 

The goldfish belongs anatomically to the carp family (Cypri- 
ntdae), a large family of fresh-water fishes distributed all over 
the globe, of which it forms a distinct genus {Carassius). The 
scientific name of the true goldfish is '■'■ Carassius auratus." 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. II 

The popular name "goldfish" was given to the entire genus 
because the first that were brought to Europe were of a golden 
color and lustre, and we now speak of a crimson, yellow, pink, 
blue or black goldfish with as much propriety as we specify the 
color of the rose. " My cousin drives a rose-colored horse," 
said a girl — the horse was a white one. Was that girl wrong? 

The general characteristics of the genus, which all the 
types and its varieties have in unison, are : Body covered with 
uniformly-sized, firmly attached scales (the "nudies^' which are 
scaleless are an exception) ; head small and including the gill- 
covers not covered with scales ; lips well developed and with- 
out barbies ; mouth toothless ; abdomen rounded ; one long 
dorsal fin, with one spine and many soft rays, extending from 
the middle of the back to a point opposite of the end of the 
anal fin. The lateral line is prominent, running in a graceful 
curve in accordance with the shape of the specimen. The 
entire body being covered with a coat of slime. 

The size of the goldfish varies according to the locality in which 
they are raised, and the circumstances surrounding them, it being 
possible for them to attain a length of eighteen inches and a height 
of six inches. It is said that they may live to be a hundred years 
old, but this may be an exaggeration. 

Goldfish enjoy a warm temperature, in bodies of water without 
a current; just such water as ponds afford suit them best, though 
they will make themselves at home in streams and. multiply exceed- 
ingly. They are very hardy, and thrive well under circumstances 
that would be fatal to many other fish, this quality particularly 
adapting them for life in the aquarium, specimens having been 
successfully kept in this way, in good condition and health, from ten 
to sixteen years. So far as food is concerned, the goldfish will feed 
upon almost all kinds of vegetable matter, insects, worms, etc., even 



12 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

preying upon small fish, and devouring its own spawn and young. 
The food is taken in by a sucking motion of the lips ; the mouth 
being toothless, as in all carps, the mastication is accomplished by a 
few bony tubercles situated in the throat. 

In the spring or summer following the one in which they were 
hatched, goldfish attain their maturity. The size of the fish has 
nothing whatever to do with the ability to spawn, though a large fish 
will deposit more eggs than a small one. As an instance, goldfish 
one inch in length, nine months old, spawned in an aquarium kept 
in a parlor; all the eggs hatched and the young grew up. In tlie 
spring of that year, when the temperature of the water rises above 
60° F., they become lively and vivacious, losing all timidity and 
precaution, so that they easily fall a prey to their many enemies. 

Two, three or more male fish follow a female, chasing her to 
some shallow place where there is an abundance of water-plants. 
They lash the water in a lively way, twisting the posterior portion of 
their bodies energetically and shooting through the water near its 
surface with short tremulous movements of the fins. At places they 
gather together in a compact mass, one tumbling over the other. 
This is the moment when the female drops her eggs, which are 
immediately impregnated by the males. 

This process is repeated throughout the summer, with intervals 
•of rest during the hottest period. The eggs are of the size of a pin- 
head, and may be either semi-transparent, yellow sh, or brilliant 
yellow in color. Whether this difference in the color of the eggs 
has anything to do with the coloring the fish will acquire after it is 
hatched still remains an open question. With the eggs of the trout 
the case is different, for the culturist can predict the color of the 
flesh of the fish when grown up; it is possible that this may also 
apply to the goldfish. The eggs are covered with some adhesive 
substance, mucus probably, and adhere to anything they happen to 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. I3 

touch. The water-plants in the immediate vicinity of the place 
where the fish have been rolling about will, upon examination, be 
found covered very profusely with them. 

The young are hatched out in from two to six days, the period of 
incubation being determined by the temperature of the water and 
the condition of the weather. Direct sunlight has the effect of 
hastening the process. 

During the first few days the young fish are not able to move 
about much ; they hang or lay about among the water-plants, obtain- 
ing subsistence from their yolk-bag, but as soon as this is absorbed 
they swim around on the search of something to eat. 

The color of the skin of young goldfish is at first silvery gray, but 
at an age of six weeks this color begins to change, becoming darker 
and assuming a cloudy appearance, finally taking on the permanent 
color. The whole process is sometimes completed in two days, 
though in some instances it is deferred until the following spring. 

The perfection and rapidity of the coloring process depend upon 
several causes, foremost among which is the proper selection of 
specimens from which to breed. 

This is a very important consideration, in truth, the prime factor 
upon which hinges the character of the result. 

When hatched, the young fish are further subjected to modifica- 
tion by their surroundings, the temperature of the water, its depth, 
quality, etc., all exercising more or less influence. 

The complete result of the breeding, so far as the coloring is 
concerned, can not be seen until the change has taken place, when 
any errors that have been made are at once apparent. Those fish 
that have failed to receive any coloring are then called silver- fish; 
should they have turned milky- or pearly-white, they are known 
as pearl-fish. 

The young, when kept in warm ponds — this means that the 



14 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

ponds are so located that the sun can warm them thoroughly — may 
grow six inches long in four months. As a general thing, however, 
the length reached in that time is irom two and a half to three 
inches. 

In connection with this may be mentioned that all the young of 
the same spawning do not grow at an equal rate, some few doubling 
the average size, while others fail to reach it. The latter are then 
known as dwarf goldfish, and are much in demand for small aquaria. 

Deformities occur oftener in this family of fishes than in any 
other. Specimens minus a dorsal, anal, or even caudal fin, are 
frequent; rarer are those destitute of scales or minus an eye or with 
a lob-sided mouth. 

From the habit of the goldfish to seek its nourishment on the 
bottom of the pond in which it lives, and to its careleR?; sUi^gisbness. 
caused by its voracious appetite, the goldfish, especially in its 
younger days, falls the victim of innumerable enemies. 

In fact, so easy is it to destroy them, that anything else living in 
its company in the pond and of sufficient strength to master it, may 
be set down as its enemy. 

When arrived at maturity its peculiar mode of reproduction 
renders it a welcome prey to enemies that do not live in water. It 
is likewise subjected to diseases of various kinds, and considering all 
that, it may be said that it is a mere accident when goldfish multiply 
to any considerable extent without the protection of man, or that 
the circumstances under which they increased were exceptionally 
favorable. 

Goldfish have a good memory; they will soon learn to know 
their master, remember their feeding- place and time. They 
can be trained to good manners, as they are easily influenced 
by their surroundings, and good qualities of individuals can be 
perpetuated in their offspring. 



THE GOLUFISH ANU ITS CULTURE. 1$ 

I have been told of pet goldfish kept in a lake on the 
estate of a Chinese gentleman in China that would follow the 
rowboat of this gentleman when he was boating on the lake, 
come to the side of it in order to be taken from their element 
and caressed by his hands. In an aquarium they become very 
tame. I had one specimen, a comet, that had formed friend-' 
ship with my dog, a little spaniel ; the two would play togeth- 
er, for half an hour some days, through the glass sides of the 
tank as well as from the surface of the water. They kept this 
friendship up for several years, being ended by the death of 
the fish. I have had fish in an aquarium so tame that they 
would, without coaxing or force, swim into the hollow of my 
hand when held in the water, allowing themselves to be lifted 
from the water and shown to visitors. Others I had trained to 
call for their food by ringing a bell. For this purpose a little 
silver bell with a lever had been placed on top of the aqua- 
rium frame, and the end of a string, attached to the lever, was 
allowed to hang in the water. At first a little food was stuck 
to the string-end as an inducement to take it into their 
mouths and thus ring the bell, which action would be answered 
by me with a limited supply of food. They soon learned the 
advantage of a "pull " and used it so frequently that the string 
was lowered in the water only at proper meal times. 

Even in their wild state goldfish are harmless creatures. 
They have but one fault, if it be one, and this they have in 
common with all our pets — they do not live for ever. But 
even here, at the sad end of their existence, a new and per- 
plexing fact is revealed to us, and perhaps is in their favor, 
for although we attended carefully to their wants day and 
night, became accustomed to their company for years, our re- 
lation towards one another never exceeded that of a formal 



i6 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



friendship. A fish lacks affection for its master, and therefore 
its departure touches no tender spot within us ; we feel sorrow 
for its loss, but we are not moved to tears over it, as would 
be the case with some of us at the death of our pet dog or 
even our pet cagebird. Is this because the fish stands so far 
below man in the scale of life, or because it lives in a differ- 
ent element ? And might not the proverb, " As cold as a 
fish," be traced to this fact .'' 





m- 







Plate II. 



Chapter IV. 
THE TYPES OF GOLDFISH. 



In describing the different types of goldfish, I have used 
a classification that a daily contact with the fish for many 
years and careful study of them has proved to my satis- 
faction best suited for American and European purposes. 
"What's in a name ? That which we call a rose, by any 
other name would smell as sweet," the late William Shake- 
speare, Esq., is charged with having said. Well, I presume 
for poetical purposes this is so, but for practical use I have 
found that the correct name of a thing is of great import- 
ance in many cases. For instance, in rose culture one must 
know the correct name of a rose and its typical character- 
istics in order to secure the desired effect before planting it. 

Each of the goldfish types has certain virtues of its own, 
one being better suited for a certain purpose than is another. 
They are all beautiful ; to say which is most so is impossible, 
this depending much on the purpose they are to serve. 

THE COMMON GOLDFISH. 

I have chosen this type as the standard by which to meas- 
ure the variations of the others; its description is for that rea- 
son very minute. 

17 



l8 THE GOLbFISH AND ITS CULTUKE. 

The body is elongated, compressed upon the sides ; the ab- 
domen is rounded and the entire body covered with uniformly- 
sized scales. Beginning at the head, the body increases in depth 
and width, reaching its maximum depth, which is one third of 
the length of the body in adults and one-fifth in yearlings, at 
the beginning of the dorsal and ventral fins ; its widest part is 
at the shoulders, just behind the gill-covers- near the back. From 
here it tapers off gently to the end of the dorsal and anal fins 
where it forms the butt; this is twice as long as deep, termi- 
nating in a slightly forked, equally divided and, on the two 
extremes, strongly supported vertical fin which is known as the 
tail. This is very muscular, its spread less than the depth of 
the body and as long as the dorsal fin is high. The dorsal 
fin, which is supported by a serrated spine, begins on the mid- 
dle of the back, ending opposite the end or the anal fin ; when 
expanded it forms a graceful curve, and at its greatest height, 
at the spine, it measures half of that of its length. The anal 
fin is short, stout and also supported by a strong serrated spine; 
the pectoral and ventral fins are small and rounded, about the 
size of the gill covers ; the head is small, pointed in an even 
angle and naked ; lips well developed but without barbies ; 
mouth toothless ; ihe eyes small, in diameter as large as the 
distance between eye and snout ; golden in color. The color 
of the body is deep orange on the back, fading to lighter to- 
wards the abdomen, with a bright golden gloss on the sides, 
and covered with a coat of slime ; lateral line prominent. Fre- 
quently specimens are marked very prettily with black, but this 
black is not permanent. It attains a length of about fifteen 
inches by a depth of four and a half to five inches, specimens 
grown in bodies of water with a current being comparatively 
longer in body than those raised in small ponds or pools. 



THE (JUI.UKJSH AND ITS CUI.TUKK. I9 

The Boar — This is a variety of the former. The part 
where the head joins the shoulder is much concaved, resem- 
bling in appearance the head of a wild boar. 

THE SUPERB. 

Body elongated very similar to the preceding, but the back 
being much broader; fins and tail are normal; the color on 
the back is either old -gold and the individual scales edged 
with black, or deep vermilion and the scales edged with gold. 
These colors are solid over the entire back, never in spots 
or blotches, and the abdomen is in either ca^e pearly white; 
eyes golden. It attains a length of about fifteen inches, and 
is very desirable where it is seen from above, for instance, 
in a fountain basin. 

The Small Blue — This, like the preceding, is also silvery 
on the abdomen, but which, however, is delicately flushed with 
pale rose. The whole of the sides and back are of a rich 
azure, which shines with a metallic lustre. 

The Moore — Is another distinct variety and is a large fish. 
The back and sides are very nearly black, which becomes vio- 
let underneath. All of the scales are edged with a red-toned 
bronze. 

THE DOLPHIN. 

Body elongated, shorter than in the common goldfish; the 
forepart of the back (head and shoulder) strongly arched; the 
abdomen forming an almost straight line ; fins small and 
rounded ; tail normal, frequently a dolphin-tail. Color of 
body, deep vermilion and milky white, either, each of these 
solid, or in blotches one on the other, in such a manner that 
the entire head may be either all white or all vermilion, or 



20 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

the entire fish white, while all the fins, including the tail, are 
vermilion; or a vermilion-colored fish has but one large irreg- 
ular shapeJ white spot somewhere on its body or reversed. 
Solid white specimens are faintly tinted pink, purple or lemon- 
yellow, and are very beautiful. The eyes are very variable in 
size as well as in color, and specimens with eyes of twice 
their normal size, blue or pink in color, may be looked for. 

THE COMET. 

Body slender, longer than in the common goldfish ; butt 
three times as long as deep; fins very large and flexible; 
abdominal fins pointed; tail deeply divided and as long as 
the body; color of the body and eyes very variable. Any 
color or lustre met with in the other types may be seen in 
a comet. A noble type! 

The first of this type I produced by a lucky crossing, and 
this occurred in the summer of 1881 when a long-tailed comet 
was illuminating the heavens. I named it "Comet," the large 
tail and its elongated structure being the prominent feature 
in its appearance. 

THE NYMPH. 

Body short, much compressed upon the sides, and stout, 
more than one third as deep as long, almond shaped; butt 
as long as deep; fins larger than in the common goldfish 
and pointed; tail deeply divided. Colors: white, deep orange 
with a lustre of burnished gold, deep or light vermilion, some- 
times milky white with irregular oddly located spots (like on 
a fox terrier) of deep vermilion and shining golden blotches 
on the throat and abdomen. Very beautiful! 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 21 

The Fan-tailed Nymph — As above, with the difference 
that the fins are as large again and the tail present in plural, 
both of the latter being grown together at their upper edges, 
forming a prominent " fan-tail." 

The Large or Gorgeous-tailed Nymph — Above descrip 
tion applies also to this, with the exception of the fins, which 
are much larger, but not as silky in texture and less pointed 
than those of the Comet ; the tail is deeply divided and twice 
as long as the body. A handsome fish ! 

The Fringe-tailed Nymph — When the tail is doubly pres- 
ent in a large-tailed nymph, and these two tails are not grown 
together, the specimen is termed a fringe-tailed nymph. 

THE PUMPKIN SEED. 

Body much compressed upon the sides and short, deepest 
between the middle of the dorsal and a point midways between 
the ventral and anal fins ; the shape of the body corresponding 
to the above name. Butt short, deeper than long; abdominal 
fins small and rounded ; tail small and deeply divided ; color 
deep orange, or white with irregular vermilion spots. 

This fish is very active and quick motioned ; it occurs fre- 
quently as fan tail. Such specimens attract much attention in 
an aquarium, especially by young ( hildren. 

THE DISC OR TUMBLER. 

Body very short, almost round and much compressed, in 
young specimens as flat as a silver dollar ; head small and 
pointed upward, appearing dented-in on top ; snout pointed, 
with well -developed lips; butt very short; fins short and 
squared off ; tail short and bent upwards. Owing to the pecu- 
liar shape of its body, this fish often loses its balance while 



22 THE GOIDKISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

searching for food or nosing round in tlie aquarium, and the 
caprioles it then produces in order to regain its equilibrium 
have earned for it the names "Tumbler" or "Clown." 

Very beautiful colors are represented in this type. In addi- 
tion to vermilion, orange and white, with the various tints of 
purple, pink, and lemon-yellow on solid white or pearly bodies, 
rich blue, tinted with orange, is to be found. 

When this specie is bred as a fan-tail, it loses its character 
as a tumbler, the larger tail equalizing the balance of the body. 

THE GLOBE. 

Body egg-shaped, more or less elongated. A pear, pressed 
in upon two sides, the stem-end being the head, will give us 
the shape of the body of this type. The lower abdomen is 
very much bulged out, extending behind the butt, being in 
good specimens so globose as to make it the characteristic fea- 
ture. The head is prominent, expressive and arched on top; 
lips and nostrils are well developed ; dorsal fin medium in 
height; abdominal fins short or medium and rounded; anal fin 
single, double, or wanting ; tail present in plural as a well- 
shaped large fan-tail or a still larger fringe-tail, which in rare 
cases consists even of three perfect tails. Such specimens are 
known as : 

The Fan-Tailed Globe and 

The Fringe-Tailed Globe. 

Specimens that have a large dorsal fin and long wavy ab- 
dominal fins, in addition to the fringe-tail, are termed: 

Mandarin Globes. 

The Hooded Globe is a variety of this type from Corea. 
In the third year of its age, a large spongy hood, resembling 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 23 

a lump of coagulated blood, and the size of a hazel-nut, forms 
on the top of its head. These fish may be either fan- or fringe- 
tailed ; they are very rare. 

Specimens without any tail, or with only the upper lobe of 
a large tail, will occur ; these make very odd specimens and 
high prices are paid for them, but they are difficult to raise 
The Globe attains the size of a man's fist; short bodies are 
the most choice. 

In the coloring of the body and fins this fish is not sur- 
passed by any other, making one of the most valuable and 
desirable objects for the aquarium. There are specimens the 
back and sides of which are deep vermilion ; the abdomen, 
throat and eyes of rich gold, while all the fins are milky white. 
Others again will be found presenting a rich vermilion on the 
body forward of the dorsal, including the fins, while all back 
of that is pure white. Some there are with body all white 
and the fins red or vice versa ; others pearly, dotted with ir- 
regular-shaped pink spots over body, fins and tail ; the eyes 
being forget-me-not blue; again, the fish will be white, the 
only touch of color being the deep red of the eyes. Fan-tailed 
specimens entirely white, the folds and corners of the body, 
also the fins and tails, tinted with lemon-yellow and the eyes 
light blue, are extremely beautiful. 

Strange as it may seem, this beautiful species of fish was 
nearly lost to this country through the caprice of private indi- 
viduals who happened, or rather were lucky enough, to possess 
perfect specimens and were unwilling that others should enjoy 
the possession of the like. But, fortunately, the late Mrs. Larz 
Anderson, of Cincinnati, O., a lady both generous and appreci- 
ative, rather than that the stock should die out, loaned to the 
author for the purpose of reproduction several fine specimens 



24 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

she had recently obtained. The pure stock may now be con- 
sidered secure for the future. In evidence of the extreme 
beauty of the species, it may be stated that private parties paid 
for specimens twenty times the weight of the fish in gold. 

When the young " globes " are first hatched, they appear ex- 
actly like the common goldfish. They rest upon the water- 
plants or other supports for a couple of days, at the end of 
which time the yolk-bag is absorbed ; then begins the struggle 
for existence. The double tail which is even then large enough 
to be distinguished, hinders the tiny creatures (but one-quarter 
of an inch in length) in their movements in the water. Should 
they find sufficient food to make a bountiful meal, matters be- 
come still worse, they lose their balance and can not go at all 
until digestion is completed, in the meanwhile falling an easy 
and welcome prey to numerous enemies. 

THE DRAGON EYES. 

This class contains the "curios" of the genus. Fish with 
large-sized eyes, set in abnormal fashion, are certainly odd, 
whether they are beautiful is a matter of taste. What is 
beauty, anyway? Is there anything beautiful to be seen in 
the face of a bull — or pug dog, or in the shape and propor- 
tions of a dachshund ? Still their masters think there is. 
Beautiful is what affords pleasure ! 

A minister once preached a sermon, wherein he said that 
everything the Lord had made was perfect. A little hunch- 
back, who was among his audience, did not approve of that 
assertion a bit. He concluded to approach the minister on 
that subject. After service he stepped up to him, asking him: 
"Do you think, sir, that the Lord made me perfect?" Where- 
upon the minister looked him over, and replied : " As a 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 25 

hunchback, most excellent !" The hunchback was convinced. 
One must take the same view with the dragon eyes to appre- 
ciate them. 

There are four distinct styles of these eyes, each of them 
with some variations : 

THE OWL-EYE 
is a very large eye of ordinary form and setting, having about 
four times the size of an ordinary goldfish-eye. Fish with such 
eyes are called " Owls." 

THE DRAGON-EYE. 

This is smaller in diameter than the preceding, but is pro- 
jecting from its socket, appearing like a little ball glued 
against the head. Specimens with eyes like this are "Dra- 
gons." 

THE TELESCOPE-EYE. 

This eye projects very much from its socket, the ball being 
held in position by a more or less conical-shaped stem, point- 
ing sideward or forward like an opera glass or "telescope," 
the latter being the name used for fish that have them. 

THE CELESTIAL-EYE. 

In this case, the eye is very large, set in a very prominent 
globose stem. As a rule, it is directed upward — " to the stars." 
Specimens with these eyes are certainly very curious objects, 
and they show what ingenuity and patience is able to accom- 
plish. The direction of the eyes is artificially produced by 
straining them when young in the desired angle in dark sur- 
roundings with a ray of light from one direction only. The 
Chinese culturists may have learned this " trick '' from the 
flounder which changes the position of one of its eyes towards 



26 THE GULDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

the light while yet young. To make this fish still more 
unique, the culturists select specimens minus the dorsal fin for 
that purpose. Fish with skyward-directed eyes are called 
" Stargazers " or "Celestials." 

The production of the dragon-eyed goldfish the Chinese and 
Japanese consider the highest achievement in ornamental fish 
culture. 

The eyes being the distinctive feature are denominative of 
other types, and if bred to them the specimen is thus called, 
for example, a dolphin -ow!, a fan - tailed nymph - telescope, a 
mandarin-stargazer, etc. 



More or less interesting specimens may be raised by cross- 
ing some of the species heretofore described, and it may be 
stated in connection that, if there is a difference in the age or 
size of the fish to be mated, the characteristics of the older of 
the pair will be most predominant in the offspring. 

The American climate influences unfavorably the form of 
the short bodied types, making it longer in the offspring of 
imported stock, but on the other hand it has, in connection 
with our food, a favorable effect on the development of the 
fins. I have raised specimens of the globe-type that in this 
particular far surpassed any that were brought alive or pre- 
served from foreign countries, or that I have seen represented 
in pictures of Chinese or Japanese origin. I was quite pleased 
when Gen. U. S. Grant, after his return from his trip around 
the world, declared some Mandarin globes of my raising finer 
than any shown to him in the imperial gardens in China and 
Japan. 

In judging a goldfish, the following points will prove of 
value : 



THE GOLDFISH AND IIS CULTURE. 2J 

Classification — Carp is the family; the goldfish represents 
a genus or group of this. The nymph (for example) is one 
of its species representing a type; the fan-tailed nymph is 
a variety of this specie or type. 

In order to be perfect, a specimen must possess the char- 
acteristics of its type well developed and uninjured; the fins 
must be of equal size on both sides, also the lobes of the tail, 
and they must be carried in a graceful manner by the indi- 
vidual. In addition to this, it is to be considered whether 
the specimen is acclimated, domesticated and bred to good 
manners. 

Yoang specimens of any type are more slender in body 
than adults, and although the characteristics of a type may 
be easily detected by an experienced eye at any time, these 
are not fully developed until in their third year. 

A fish may not have all the points of his type and still 
be beautiful. Its shortcomings as a thoroughbred does not 
necessitate its being cast aside as a pet, for it may possess 
some points, not typical, that will make it a desirable speci- 
men for the aquarium. 

Dividing the characteristics of a type in loo points their 
relative value is as follows. 

Any Type. Dragon Eyes. Value of Colors. 

Body 30 20 Milky-white or pearl..., 5 

Tail 20 15 Pink, lemon-yellow, purple 20 

Dorsal fin.... 10 5 Solid orange 10 

Abdominal fins 10 5 Solid vermilion 20 

Anal fin 5 5 Solid black 10 

Color 20 20 Two colors 15 

Eyes 5 30 Three colors 20 

100 100 100 



28 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

Explanation of technical terms used: 

Nicdies — Are specimens without scales, quite beautiful, in 
some cases almost transparent to the bones. They are the 
result of "in-breeding." 

Faniail — When two tails are grown together at their upper 
edges, constituting one, and the middle lobe is pointing up- 
ward as the tail of a fantailed pigeon. 

Fringetail — Two or more long, drooping tails not grown 
together, each having its own motion. 

Dolphititail — Two short tails grown together, spreading hori- 
zontally. 

Fan or fringetailed fish must not necessarily have a double 
anal fin in order to be perfect, but, all other points being 
equal, the double anal fin is the more valuable. 

It may be mentioned here, as an advantage of the double- 
tailed fish, that they are unable to jump out of the water. 
This fact is undoubtedly one to be appreciated by those 
keeping an aquarium. 



^SMd 




Plate III. 



Chapter V. 
PSEUDO-GOLDFISH. 



Although not goldfish in the correct sense of the term, the 
following fish being of a golden color are often classed as such. 
They are also members of the carp family, closely related to 
the carassius, and their habits are very similar. For complete- 
ness sake, I have given them due consideration in this little 
volume. 

THE GOLDEN CARP. 

(Cyprinus auratiis.) 
The shape of the body, the location, shape and size of the 
fins and tail are exactly like those in the common goldfish. 
The head is more pointed, the lips more developed, and the 
upper one is supplied with four small barbies, two at each cor- 
ner of the mouth. The color of the body is light orange on 
back and sides, with a golden lustre, the abdomen white. It 
attains a length of about ten inches and is an ornamental 
variety of the food carp of China and Japan, as is the following: 

THE PURPLE CARP. 

(Cyprinus purpurea ) 
Shape and everything else is like the preceding, except 
the color, which is violet-purple on the back fading to light 
purple with a metallic lustre on the sides and a lilac tint on 
the abdomen. A handsome fish. 

29 



30 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

The carp is a fish of much importance in Japan; in it the 
Japanese see all the manly virtues represented. When a boy- 
baby is born to a family, little gifts representing a carp, or 
articles bearing the picture of one, are left by friends for the 
baby, expressing the wish that the boy may pattern after the 
carp, " be able to swim against the current as well as with it, 
overcome obstacles cunningly and bear misfortunes without 
complaining." One day of the year, the "fish day," is cele- 
brated, and on every house that had been blessed during the 
year by the birth of a boy-baby a little flag in shape of a 
carp, and evenings a paper lantern of same form, is displayed. 

THE GOLDEN TENCH. 

(Tinea aureus.) 

Body elongated, compressed on the sides (cylindrical in young 
specimens), and covered with very small scales; these in turn 
are covered with an unusually thick coat of slime. Head 
pointed ; lips well developed, the upper one with two barbies 
situated at the corners of the mouth ; eyes dark brown, almost 
black ; dorsal fin short and rounded with one spine and eight 
or nine soft rays situated in the middle of the back ; abdom- 
inal fins small and rounded, of delicate structure ; tail short 
and but little forked. The color of the fish is reddish-orange 
(the color of red lead) or rich golden-yellow, deepest on the 
back, fading to white on the abdomen. The entire body, in- 
cluding the head and the fins, is speckled with small intensely 
black spots of irregular shape. A very fine aquarium fish, with 
graceful motions of slow growth, attaining a length of about 
ten inches. 

It soon becomes accustomed to its master and then prefers 
to take its meals from her or his hands. This sign of 




Plate XII. 



feiS-^ 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 31 

confidence especially has a wonderful soothing effect upon most 
people. This fish originated centuries ago in the moat of a 
castle in Silesia, Germany. 

THE GREEN TENCH. 

( Tinea vulgaris. ) 

This is the ancestor of the preceding. It differs only in 
the coloring of the body, which is bottle-green (tench-green is 
the name for a shade of green in Germany), with a greenish- 
golden lustre but without spots, darkest on the back, shading 
off to a golden yellow on the abdomen, and that of the eyes 
which are deep crimson in color. 

In olden times the fish culturists, the monks, called the 
tench the *' fish doctor." It was believed that any fish injured 
on their exterior by accident would search for a tench and 
when found rub its injured parts against its body to re-cover 
them with slime, the tench being very liberally supplied with 
this protective coating. I am inclined to believe that fish in 
open waters use this cure to-day. The green tench is an es- 
teemed table fish in its country and is also well liked as an 
inmate of an aquarium. 

THE GOLDEN ORPHE, GOLDORFE OR GOLDEN IDE 

{Orphus aui-atus, or idus melanotus aurains of others.) 

This fish is referred to by English writers as "golden ide.'' 
Owing to a custom among naturalists, sacred by time, I prefer 
for it the name by which it has been known for centuries in 
its native country. Southern Germany. Besides, this has an ad- 
vantage of a practical nature, for a "golden-eyed fish" is not 
necessarily a "golden ide fish." 

The body of this fish is slender and much compressed on 



32 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

the sides, and covered with uniformly-sized scales; color, orange 
on back, with a few intensely black spots, fading to lighter on 
the sides, and white on the abdomen, very glossy or shining, 
but without metallic lustre ; head small ; lips not prominent 
and no barbies ; eyes large and of a golden hue ; dorsal fin 
short and far back ; tail deeply forked ; abdominal fins small ; 
all fins, including the tail, rounded at the ends, pinkish at the 
roots and tinted vermilion in centre. Young specimens resem- 
ble, the color excepted, our American shiner. It attains a length 
of 24 inches. 

The orphe is a very quick-motioned, restless fish, and when 
kept in an aquarium this must be covered, otherwise it v/ill 
leap out. It will not, for this reason, answer for a collection 
that is to produce a quiet, restful picture, while it is just the 
fish for children or young people. It is very voracious, seeking 
its food, which consists of small fish, tadpoles, insects and 
small water-plants, in mid-water or near the surface, and it is 
for that reason a desirable fish for a small lake or a fountain 
basin. It is always visible, and it does not muddy the water 
by rooting up the bottom in search for food, as does the carp. 

The young, when first hatched, are creamy-yellow in color, 
with the tops of their heads black ; they swim in schools near 
the surface of the water like minnows do. 

During the middle ages the golden orphe was cultivated in 
the moats that surrounded the castles. They served as an ad- 
junct to the guards because they are a very knowing fish, 
always on the alert, and by their actions give warning of ap- 
proaching danger. They were considered an aristocratic mor- 
sel, and were exclusively served to the lady of the castle ; 
hence their surname "Lady fish." 



PART II. 



THE AQUARIUM, ITS CONSTRUCTION 
AND CARE. 



Chapter VI. 



" Every man is a valuable member of society, 
who, by his observations, researches, and 
experiments, procures knowledge for men." 
Smithson. 



THEIR HOME WITHIN OURS. 



Considering the numerous advantages goldfish keeping af- 
fords, and last but not least the fact that the goldfish has 
not one objectionable fault, it is easily understood why the 
goldfish is now the most favored of all household pets. 

But in order to secure all these advantages, it is neces- 
sary to house the fish properly. Only of specimens in good 
health, that feel at home in their surroundings, can we expect 
to be benefited. With this end in view, we secure condi- 
tions and surroundings within the limited space of a water- 
tight vessel that are congenial to the wants of the goldfish- 
Such an artificial home or miniature lake, systematically man- 
aged, is termed an aquarium. 

33 



34 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 




AQUARIUM WITH AN EXPOSURE TO THE NORTH. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 35 

THE LOCATION. 

When one has concluded to keep some goldfish in one's 
home, the main point one has to consider is the location or 
site for the aquarium that is to be their home. The success 
of such depends upon the proper action of the aquatic plants, 
and these require, in order to act properly, their share of light 
and warmth to the same degree as ordinary house plants do 
in order to flourish. If one can supply these wants, the ex- 
pense of keeping goldfish in excellent condition is very little 
indeed. The temperature is of less importance, as long as 
this is above the freezing point. An aquarium should there- 
fore be always near a window, as the light there can be 
increased or reduced by regulating the shades accordingly. 

The best exposure is that toward the north; by such an 
one the aquarium should stand about six inches away from 
the window. Next best is one toward the east ; the best 
distance in such a case is about twelve inches from the 
window. Next best is a window facing south or west ; here 
set the aquarium about eighteen inches toward the room, and 
when the windows are high even more space may be left 
between. 

When an aquarium is to be located between two windows, 
it should be far enough in the room to receive the light from 
both ; and in a corner room, with windows at both angles, 
the aquarium should be set diagonally so that the light from 
each window will enter the aquarium from each end. 

But although we want plenty of light for the plants, we 
should avoid as much as possible the sun. In winter allow 
all the sunshine you can get, but toward the spring, from 
February on, shelter the tank from its direct rays. 

In the accompanying sketches the various positions that 



36 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 




AQUARIUM WITH AN EXPOSURE TO THE EAST. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 37 

may be chosen for an aquarium are shown. In each case 
it will be seen that justice is done to the plants in the 
aquarium as well as to the person wishing to enjoy an hour 
or two in "a glimpse beneath the water" 

Where it can be done, the tank should be so placed that 
the light enters it from above — over the shoulder of the ob- 
server. Such a position does justice to the plants and sup- 
plies the most favorable light for the contents. The lights 
and shades are of vital importance to any picture, that of an 
animated sub-marine landscape not excepted. When a back- 
ground is formed by covering the rear glass of the tank 
with bottle-green colored cloth or wall paper, the view is made 
still more attractive. 




38 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 




AQUARIUM WITH AN EXPOSURE TO THE SOUTH OR WEST. 



Chapter VII. 
THE TANK 



When we have chosen a place for the aquarium, the next 
step is to secure a tank. This may be any water-tight vessel, 
the material of which will not alter the qualities of the water 
by impregnating it with anything that would stain it or give it 
an offensive odor, either of which would be detrimental to the 
health of the fish. 

The shape of such a vessel is usually determined by the 
requirements of the duty it is expected to perform, and should 
not, therefore, be wider at the top than at the bottom, for then 
the fish would leap out ; neither should it be too narrow at the 
upper part, for this would exclude the atmospheric air by a re- 
duction of the water surface. The old-fashioned fish globe is 
about the worst vessel that can be selected for the keeping of 
goldfish as pets ; it will do well enough for a temporary dis- 
play of the fish, but for permanent use it will not answer. 

However, it is not at all necessary to buy an expensive 
tank of a dealer ; on the contrary, it affords so much more 
pleasure and satisfaction when one has made his own tank. 

Of the different shapes used for an aquarium tank I find 
the rectangular shape the best for all around purposes. Its 
advantages over the round, the triangular and the hexagonal 
shape are so apparent that any of the latter should only be 
constructed for special purposes. 

39 



40 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

The first thing to be considered when about to construct a 
tank is the space or location which it is to occupy. As a rule, 
amateurs make their tanks too large. A large tank, when pro- 
portionately stocked, makes a grand effect ; this I admit, but 
its size and weight make it inconvenient at certain seasons of 
the year, and the cleaning and refilling involves a great deal of 
labor and time which everybody has not at his disposal at the 
required time. I advise always the building of one medium 
sized or two small tanks ; in the latter case one can have 
more variety. 

The medium-sized tank, which I find best suited for a par- 
lor, sitting- or dining-room, has a capacity of about eighteen 
gallons. The inside dimensions, from glass to glass (the 
proper way to measure an aquarium tank), is twenty-four by 
twelve inches (24x12), by fifteen (15) inches in height. This 
tank sets on a stand, the top of which is on a level with the 
window-sill. 

To make such a tank, get an iron-worker to make you a 
simple iron frame out of one-inch angle iron (see illustration) 
to correspond with above dimensions, and at perfect right an- 
gles at the corners. The top and bottom frames are each made 
of one piece. At the proper distances triangular pieces are 

cut out (Fig. a), and af- 
terwards they are bent 
to form a right angle 
(Fig. b). The uprights 
are cut off at right an- 
gles, set flush between 
top and bottom frames and held in place by corner plates 
(Fig. c), secured with four small screws to the angle iron. 
Care should be taken that all the parts of the frame " face 




THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 4I 

even " in order to have a smooth bed for the glass. The 
upright pieces may also be fastened to the top and bottoni 
frames without corner plates. In this case the uprights go 
inside of the upper and lower frames, being held in position 
by two small screws or rivets at each junction. (The water- 
proof cement used to set the lower ends of the glass must be 
mixed rath^^r stiff in this case, in order to increase its resist- 
ance.) 

This frame is painted with one coat of red lead. After this 
is perfectly dry, a straight piece of one -quarter inch thick 
rough plate glass, such as is used for large skylights, is cut 
to fit loosely, leaving about one-eighth of an inch play all 
round, in the lower part of the frame. This glass is to be the 
bottom of the tank. It forms, so to speak, the foundation, and 
great care is therefore to be exercised in placing it properly. 
To this effect all of the entire lower angles are covered lib- 
erally with rather stiff aquarium cement (my water-proof cement 
is made for the purpose), being especially particular that the 
corners are well supplied with it. Now take a dry rag and 
wipe the corners of the glass plate perfectly clean and lay it 
gently and evenly on the cement bed. If the frame stands 
where it should, on a perfect level, the weight of the glass 
will tend to sink it into position ; if, however, the cement is 
not very pliable, it will be necessary to assist by pressing it 
down with the hands ; in this case the pressure should be 
gentle, uniform, and only in the middle of the plate. The sur- 
plus cement is now removed, both below and above, with a 
putty knife, followed by a dry rag. If examination shows that 
the cement has taken hold of the glass at every point, it is 
left to stand quiet for at least twenty-four hours. The two 
lights (technical terms for plates of glass), twenty-four by 



42 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

fifteen, that are to form the front and rear are now prepared. 
These are best of one -quarter inch new plate glass, or they 
may be cut out of second hand polished plate glass (pieces of 
broken show-windows), or where this cannot be had, they 
should be of extra heavy double thick French or so-called 
English twenty - six ounce glass. In every case the lights 
should be as straight and clear as they can be had. Should 
one or the other be slightly bent, the bent (convex side) should 
go towards the outside of the tank. These also, like the bot- 
tom, should fit loosely into the frame, and if one of the long 
edges should be rough or ragged, this should go up in order 
to have the lower edge fit snugly against the bottom. (Fig. d). 
The lights are now cleaned with water and wiped perfectly dry. 
The angles on the bottom and those at the uprights, but not 
the upper horizontal ones, are next filled with cement, as was 
done when the bottom glass was placed, and the lights are 
then set in place, using gentle force to make a uniform fit. 
Two wooden sticks (braces) are then placed across from one 
to the other to hold them in position. Now the surplus cement 
is removed and the glass again wiped clean. 

Our next move is to measure the distance between the 
two lights just set, as the two end lights should fit snugly, 
but without any strain, against them. Double thick French 
glass is best suited for these ; the edges that will meet the 
other glass should be clean cut. We then proceed to set 
them as described above for the others. 

It is unnecessary to use waterproof cement on the upper 
ends of the glass, as these, not coming in contact with the 
water, need not be watertight. Common putty will answer 
here if it is desirable, for appearance sake, to imbed the glass 
at these points. For practical purposes it is not necessary to 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 43 

do SO. I frequently notice on aquarium tanks that the in- 
side corners, where the glass meets, are plastered up pretty 
heavily with cement; this, too, is waste of material. 

After two or more days, according to the season or the 
weather, the cement has sufificiently hardened and the tank 
may be filled with 'water. 

For the small tanks above mentioned, I find fifteen by seven 
and one-half inches (15x7^) by eleven (11) inches high (all in- 
side measure), the most desirable size. The frame can in 
this case be made by a tinner out of galvanized sheet iron, 
bent into right angles (similar to angle iron) and soldered at 
the corners. The bottom in this size is made of double 
thick Pittsburg glass, set, as well as all the other glass, which 
should be double thick French, on the same principle as in 
the larger tank described above. 

Do not attempt to make an aquarium tank out of wood; 
in nine cases out of ten they are failures. Neither take out- 
side advice regarding the size of the tanks. Someone will 
tell you that "If you make it such and such a size the glass 
will cut to better advantage, etc." But an inch or two out of 
the way, one way or the other, makes a very big difference 
in the appearance and also in the welfare of a collection. 

These are the details to be observed in the construction 
of the inner hull or the tank proper ; the outside hull, or 
ornamental part, is easily put on afterward. This can be a 
simple coat of paint and varnish, or it may consist of a rustic 
decoration of tree-bark or tuff-stone, or a stylish mantel of 
woodwork. No rules are set for this part, and one may ex- 
ercise his individual taste. However, it should be kept in 
mind that such a mantel takes the place of a frame around 
your animate picture, and we all know how an inappropriate 



44 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

frame may kill the effect of the choicest painting and how 
a well chosen one will direct our attention to great merits 
of another, which, but for the frame, would have passed un- 
noticed. A dull black (Flemish black) of the frame sets off 
any collection to best advantage. 

Regarding the stand for the aquarium, I find that a closed 
pedestal — for instance, a little cabinet — is most appropriate for 
the larger tank; it imparts a feeling of safety to the observer 
and gives more prominence to the collection. 





Plate I v. 



Chapter VIII. 



"' Weed' is the term applied to a plant when 
of no use to man, but as soon as it is discov- 
ered that it possesses a merit, it ceases to be 
a weed." 



THE PLANTS FOR THE AQUARIUM. 



Animal life in any locality can only then exist when a con- 
tinuous and liberal supply of oxygen is present. The oxy- 
gen inhaled by animals has the function to purify their blood; 
an insufficient supply of it will therefore cause disease and 
finally death. In nature, oxygen is supplied in various ways. 
Trees, shrubs and house-plants, as every one knows, purify 
the air in their immediate surroundings. This process of puri- 
fication is performed as follows : A plant under proper con- 
ditions grows, and as it grows it absorbs or inhales from the 
air of its surroundings a gas known by the scientists as car- 
bonic acid gas, a limited amount of this gas being required 
by plants to make a healthy growth. In turn, the plant ex- 
hales through its leaves a gas known as oxygen. The presence 
of the former in the air is as injurious to animal life as that 
of the latter is necessary to sustain it. 

Where no vegetation is at work on land, the current in the 
atmosphere, the wind and the sun purify the air; where these 
cannot penetrate, in caves, vaults, shafts, etc., foul air predom- 
inates and life is impossible. 

45 



46 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

The work that is performed by trees, etc., on land is per- 
formed in the water by aquatic plants. Aquatic animals require 
oxygen for the same purpose as do land animals. Where no 
aquatic plants are at work to absorb the impurities from the 
water and replace the oxygen consumed by the animals, the 
current in the water, the waves caused by some force, or a 
fall, relieve the water of the foul air and, by the marked faculty 
of the water to absorb, it is recharged with the life-giving gas 
from the atmosphere. 

As we have no current, no waves, nor a waterfall in our 
aquarium, we depend entirely on the action of the aquatic 
plants to make our aquarium tenable for its inmates. 

It is true most aquarium plants now under cultivation were 
originally collected by some one in their natural haunts as 
" weeds," but does this not apply to the plants the florist 
grows for our window garden as well ? To speak of aquarium 
plants as " water- weeds " is, to say the least, incorrect, and one 
could, with the same propriety, call the precious gems, used 
in jewelry " gravel," because they were simply picked up as 
pebbles in creek - beds by Indian women and children. One 
must not forget that all these plants had to be acclimated 
and carefully cultivated to bring them to their present high 
standard. No matter how beautiful and costly our tank may 
be, without their co-operation it will be a burden to us instead 
of a source of pleasure. 

In addition, their decorative character makes them very 
precious to a collection. With a judicious arrangement of them 
in connection with the rock-work, and due attention of lights 
and shades in the planting of our aquatic garden, landscape 
effects can be produced that any master would be delighted 
to reproduce on a canvas. The foliage being so manifold and 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 47 

the tints and colors so varied that endless combinations in 
their grouping are possible. 

Nearly all of our native water-plants are annuals or decid- 
uous in character. Their growth being restricted to the sum- 
mer season, we rely therefore principally on the cultivated 
tropical and sub-tropical species, and more especially so during 
the winter. 

I describe here only those species that by their merits 
recommend themselves most for our special purpose. 

THE COMMON HORN OR WAXWORT. 

{Ceratophyilia.'i demersum ) 

The general appearance of this plant is like a branch of 
spruce under water. The dark green, needle-like leaflets are 
horny or waxy to the touch ; 4^ to f inch long, and arranged 
in whorls around the stem ; the new shoots are, when they first 
appear, bright green and very effective when the old growth 
forms the background. 

Altogether it is a very attractive plant, but, being a native 
of the northern section of this country and Europe, it is dor- 
mant during winter and only of decorative value at that period. 



THE ROSY HORNWORT. 

{C. roseum ) 

The leaves of this species are longer than those of the pre- 
ceding ; they are dark chestnut brown and the young shoots 
of a brilliant rosy color. This is a very desirable, sub-tropical, 
evergreen plant which I introduced from Florida in 1880. 



48 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

THE VIVID FAN WORT. 

{Cabomba viridi folia.) 

The leaves of this beautiful plant are very regularly divided 
into narrow shreds and resemble a palmleaf fan ; they are two 
inches in diameter and are borne opposite each other on a 
round and rather brittle stem. Their color is a brilliant light 
green above, while the underside is covered with a silvery lus- 
tre. Just before going to bloom, in the spring, small arrow- 
shaped leaves appear, to float the little silvery white, trumpet- 
shaped flowers. These open at 9 a.m. and close again at 3 p.m. 
The plant is a native of Brazil and evergreen, of my introduc- 
tion (1S78). 

THE ROSY FANWORT. 

{C. rosaefo/ia.) 

This specie is smaller and the shreds that form the leaves 
are narrower and not so regularly arranged as those of the 
preceding. It has the same creeping habit, also the flowers 
are like those of the former ; the color of the foliage is 
brownish green above and deep purple underneath ; during the 
warm season the stems and leaves turn to the different tints 
of carmine ; the new leaves are, when they first appear, salmon, 
deepening as they become stronger to a brilliant pink, then to 
a dark carmine, and when oldest they are brownish violet in 
color. This is a grand plant under favorable conditions! When 
grown in company with the preceding in a shallow basin, with 
their branches intermingled and seen from above, then one im- 
agines seeing a huge submerged bouquet of full blown green 
and pink roses. 

It should be grown in sandy peat in glass pots (salve 
jars) and in a partly shaded position. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 49 

As an interesting point it might be stated here that the 
fanworts sleep after dark. In this condition they fold their 
leaves and lay them in an upright position close to the stems. 
I introduced this beautiful sub-tropical plant twenty years ago 
from Florida. 

THE COMMON FANWORT. 
( C. Ca rolinia na . ) 

This is also a very beautiful and useful aquarium plant, but 
it has no peculiarity of its own, being in color the ordinary 
green observed on any plant. It was introduced by the U. S. 
Fish Commission fifteen years ago, for carp-ponds, from South 
Carolina. It is -evergreen in the aquarium like the preceding ; 
grows very easily from cuttings, especially when forked joints 
are selected for the purpose. 

MULERTT'S LUDWIGIA. 

[Ludwigia Mulerttii ) 

The leaves of this plant resemble in shape and size that of 
a rose-leaflet ; they are borne opposite on a round stem ; the 
color differs on different parts of the plant. Old leaves are 
dark green above and violet crimson underneath; young leaves 
are sometimes a brilliant light green, at other times a bright 
pink. In several instances I saw the entire plant, stems in- 
cluded, in all the tints of crimson, from the most delicate hues 
to the deepest shades. The individual leaves and the habit of 
the plant is very graceful; there is no stiffness about it, each 
leaf being shaped, curved and turned in a different manner. 
Especially striking is the effect when some of the dark green 
leaves are partly turned over and display some of the crimson 
of their under side. Being of tropical origin (Valley of the 



50 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

Amazon), this, my seedling, is in leaf all the year round. 
During the summer it grows above the water, producing dark 
green, strong, glossy foliage, and in the axils of the leaves 
small yellow flowers. 

I feel that I should state here, that not I, but my kind cus- 
tomers named this plant for me. 

THE CUT-LEAVED MERMAID-WEED. 

{^Proserpinaca pes/inacea.) 

The finely cut, hair-like, soft leaves grow in close-jointed 
whorls of five, alternately or spirally arranged on thin reddish 
but tenacious stems in deep water ; it resembles green chenille, 
one inch in diameter. The brownish green color of this plant 
and the density of its growth makes it an excellent background 
for others in the collection. It is a native of Alabama, ever- 
green, and a good oxygenator. 

This plant, where native, is dreaded by bathers ; ' often 
swimmers get their feet entangled in its stems and drown. 
This fact led to its name. The Roman goddess, Proserpina, 
wife of Pluto, who reigns in the lower region, was supposed 
to pull them down to have playmates. 

THE WATER MILL-FOIL. 

[Myriophylium spicatum.) 

This is a close relation to the preceding. The whorls of 
leaves are larger in diameter and arranged in an exact circle 
around the stem, the color being very dark green. Like the 
preceding it grows easily from cuttings, and is evergreen in the 
aquarium. It is a native in the northern section of this country 
and Europe. The name has relation to its thousands of leaves. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 51 

THE SPRING OR WILLOW MOSS. 
{Foniinalis antiperytica.) 

This little plant is an evergreen native. It may be found 
in shaded brooks growing attached to stones or other objects 
in the water, or near springs. The small leaves are borne alter- 
nately on very thin and much branched wiry stems. The 
plant is very dark green in color, especially when at rest in 
winter ; the young sprouts are of a cheerful bright green when 
they first appear in early spring, forming a refreshing contrast. 
The plant is a good water purifier, and the ancients believed 
that it killed the fever-germs in the water ; hence its scientific 
name. 

If possible, this plant should be obtained with the object on 
which it grows, and so introduced into the collection ; when in- 
troduced as cuttings, these should be planted against the rock- 
work, to which they will soon cling, covering the same like an 
ivy does a stone wall. 

THE FLOATING ARROWHEAD. 

( Sagittaria natans.) 

This tropical specie originated in my greenhouse in the 
Spring of 1879, when two minute sprigs sprung up accidentally 
in a little soil attached to the root - stock of a water lily sent 
to me from South America. From these two plants, which I 
carefully nursed and propagated, came all the stock now grow- 
ing in aquariums in every part of the civilized world. It is 
evergreen. During the winter the narrow blades, one-fourth of 
an inch wide and six to eighteen inches long, that form its leaves, 
grow below the surface of the water, forming a brilliant green 
thicket; as spring approaches, the characteristic lance -shaped 



52 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

leaves appear in addition and float on the surface of the water, 
to be soon followed by a delicate flower stalk that also floats, 
bearing as many as twenty-one pretty little white flowers one- 
half inch in diameter. (In some localities these characteristic 
leaves are not produced until late in the summer, but the 
plant flowers just as freely.) 

It requires a light location but no direct sunlight to grow 
to perfection. In a suitable locality it will be in bloom from 
February until November, and the tips of the sharp - pointed 
blades will assume a beautiful carmine color, while jet-black 
irregular spots will appear on the floating leaves. It grows 
to perfection in the sharp sand recommended for the bottom 
of the aquarium requiring no special mixture of soil. It mul- 
tiplies fast in the aquarium by runners from the root-stock. 

From the floating habit of its leaves and flowers, I have 
chosen its name. It is recognized all over the world as the 
most useful, decorative and reliable aquarium plant under cul- 
tivation. 

THE "NEW ERA" ARROWHEAD. 

This is a seedling of the preceding, secured by high culti- 
vation and cross-fertilization. It is more robust in growth than 
its parent. 

SAGITTARIA "FRANCES M." 

This is the result of a cross between S. " New Era " and S. 
lanciolata, a specie from Louisiana, also of my own raising 
and named in memory of my late companion. The plant is 
evergreen; the winter foliage is like that of "New Era "but 
much larger, the blades measuring in some cases one inch in 
width and twenty-four inches in length, while the aerial leaves 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CI LTURE. 53 

born in summer, in addition to tlie others, talce after the mother 
in shape and upright tendency, with a more delicate texture ; 
the flowers are borne on an upright stem and have the size of 
a silver quarter-dollar. It is a very free bloomer and delights 
in sharp sand, being in bloom from May until November. One 
plant, growing in an ordinary parlor aquarium with an eastern 
exposure, produced seventeen perfect spikes of flowers in suc- 
cession in one season. Such a record is hard to beat by any 
plant. It should be grown in glass pots (salve jars) for easier 
handling and better protection of its large root system. 

Many other aquatic plants exist, but not every one can be 
grown with success in an aquarium. Its nature requires con- 
ditions that we cannot supply, or its growth is so rank that 
its faults outweigh its virtues. In either case it is not excluded 
that we may introduce such a plant for an agreeable change 
as a short visitor; often just such plants are at certain occa- 
sions, when a certain effect is aimed for, invaluable. But all 
plants collected in open waters should not be introduced into 
a collection until they have been quarantined in a special ves- 
sel for at least a week, as they may bring disease or other 
trouble into your collection. 




Chapter IX. 
ARRANGING THE COLLECTION. 



When the tank is secured it is p;operly cleaned with clean 
v/ater and a sponge, but without the aid of soap, and filled up 
to the top with water to test the resistance of the glass and to 
detect any leaks. In making this test the tank should be in a 
perfectly level position, and of course not in a carpeted parlor. 

Having stood the test, it is now placed in position, care 
being taken that it sets perfectly level. Now get the washed 
rocks or tuff-stone intended for the rockery ready, and put a 
sufficient quantity of well-washed sharp sand on the bottom of 
the tank to cover it to the height of about one or two inches. 

This done, seat yourself in a chair some distance away from 
the aquarium, look at it, and study the best effects regarding 
the arranging of the rocks. Don't be in too great a hurry ; re- 
member that this arrangement is to be for at least one season, 
and don't forget that you must make allowance for the plants, 
making as little shade for these in placing the rockwork as pos- 
sible. The arrangement of the rocks being completed, the next 
move is the planting of the plants. Since we know that these 
are the prime factors for the maintenance of the aquarium, this 
should be done with great care. 

The plants may be well-rooted specimens or mere cuttingsj 
in either case handle them gently, do not bruise or break 

54 



J u Lj u u u u uX r 



"p 



y 




Plate V. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CUl-TURE. 55 

them. Plant them in the sand with the same care as you 
would a tender seedling plant in your garden, arranging the 
different groups according to the picture you had made in 
your mind when you sat in the chair thinking about the rock- 
ery. An aquatic garden can be made a charming little sub- 
marine landscape, prettier than any picture. Be not "close" 
when you make your selection of plants for the aquarium ; it 
would be "penny wisdom," as everything depends on them. 
They need not necessarily be expensive plants, some of the 
commoner species being excellent oxygenators; but since plants, 
outside of their purifying faculties, add greatly to the attrac- 
tions of an aquarium, liberality in this direction is well placed. 
The following list of plants is a desirable assortment for 
One of the larger tanks described above : 

5 sprigs of Fanwort. 

3 " " Millfoil or Mermaid-weed. 

I " " Hornwort. 

1 " " Springmoss. 

2 plants of Ludwigia. 

5 " " Arrowhead. 

I " " Sag. Frances M. 

Whilst you are planting, sprinkle the plants every few min- 
utes with water, so they may not suffer from the dry air. All 
being planted^ the next thing to do is to place some small 
stones or large pebbles in an apparently careless manner on 
the bottom, some in the immediate vicinity of the plants to 
steady the roots of them, while others are placed in groups of 
threes or fours together, leaving small crevices between each 
stone to catch the refuse matter that will collect in time. 



56 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

FILLING THE TANK. 

The aquarium is now ready to receive the water. If you 
live in a city that has water-works, use water from the hydrant, 
provided that it is clear ; if you cannot have that, take clear 
cistern or spring water, but the water must be clear and fit for 
anybody to drink. Any water that you would not like to drink 
yourself is not fit for an aquarium ! Muddy water is as detri- 
mental to aquatic plants as dust is to garden plants. If the 
water is less than 60° F. some warm water should be added, as 
otherwise the plants would get chilled. Pour the water into 
the tank slowly and carefully, in order not to wash out the 
roots of the plants, filling it up to within two inches from the 
top. If the tank be a small one, this is accomplished by pour- 
ing the water from a pitcher into the hollow of your left hand, 
held for the purpose just above the bottom. 

Now take a small stick, and by its aid carefully arrange the 
branches or blades of the plants to suit, then sprinkle a pinch 
of common table salt on the surface of the water, and your 
aquarium is started. 

STOCKING THE AQUARIUM. 

If you wish to do so, you can place the fish in the water 
at once, but if there is no particular hurry it is advisable to 
wait a day or two in order to have the water settle and to 
give the plants a chance to get established. After a lapse of 
that period you will see most of the plants covered with mi- 
nute silvery bubbles; these are oxygen bubbles and you may 
consider your tank charged with same and in perfect condi- 
tion to support animal life. Now take the wiper and slowly 
wipe the inside of the glass of the aquarium, making the 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 57 

motion up and down ; avoid touching the sand, as this would 
scratch the glass The aquarium will now appear as clear as 
if it contained no water at all. Now introduce the fish gently, 
one at a time, getting them gradually used to the temperature 
of the water by slowly mixing it with the water in which they 
were, then add to your collection two or more frog tadpoles 
and a few pond snails of the rams horn type to consume the 
refuse and otherwise decaying matter that will be about. 

NUMBER OF SPECIMENS. 

The question how many fish can live in an aquarium of a 
certain size, is equal to : how much money must a person have 
to be rich ? The answer is sutjstantially the same. The shape 
of the tank and the location in which it is placed determine 
the number of fish that can comfortably live in it. Should 
the location be bad as regards light, the amount of oxygen 
generated in the tank will be small, while if the situation is 
highly favorable in every respect, the evolution of the life- 
giving gas will reach its maximum degree. 

The quantity of water required for a given number of fish 
is furthermore regulated by their size and the nature of the 
treatment they have received before they came into your pos- 
session. If, for instance, they were kept in running water, or 
were newly caught in a large pond, they will naturally require 
a much larger quantity of water than if they had already been 
accustomed to a life of captivity. Some fish need a great 
amount of oxygen, while others get along with remarkably lit- 
tle. An aquarium will stand as many fish as the plants can 
supply with oxygen. 

The only way to ascertain the ability of a tank is by be- 
ginning with a few specimens, adding from time to time until 



58 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

you see by the actions of the fish that you have arrived at the 
limit. 

Fish, in order to be objects of study or enjoyment, should 
above all things feel comfortable and happy ; they must feel 
"at home," and it is much the better plan to keep only a few 
choice specimens of a noble type and good habits, and make 
real pets of these, than to crowd the tank with indifferent 
stock. 

For an aquarium holding from five to twenty gallons of 
water, and kept for ornamental purposes, two handsome speci- 
mens of fringe-tailed goldfish make a striking effect. A simi- 
lar good effect is obtained when such a tank is stocked with 
about five fish of different types or varieties. Tanks of the 
author were seen by millions of people at the various indus- 
trial expositions during the last twenty -five years or more, 
where he had them displayed, and I had good opportunities to 
notice which arrangement was the most admired. Such a tank 
as mentioned above brings the arrangement of the rockery and 
the plants to full notice. The fish appear like so many cattle 
in a pasture with the edge of a piece of forest as a background. 
The whole is a living picture continually che Zi^g, but always 
charming. Its perfect silence rests our nerves and imparts a 
peaceful feeling. 

If the aquarium is to be a source of information to children 
or pastime for invalids, a different course is to be taken and 
the collection should comprise various types of fish, in order 
that the different forms, habits and structures may be com- 
pared and studied. 



Chapter X. 
GENERAL MANAGEMENT. 



There now remain a few remarks to be said in regard to 
the general management of an aquarium. I say a few remarks, 
because if the aquarium has been properly started it almost 
takes care of itself; all that is necessary is to feed the fish 
regularly every day. One person only should have charge of 
this, and the fish should be fed as nearly as possible at the 
same period. Allow for each fish its mouthful of my con- 
densed fish food, "IXL," each feeding time. Should any un- 
consumed food remain at the bottom, the tadpoles and snails 
will devour it. 

The light for the aquarium should be under full control, 
for although the collection requires a good light, the direct 
rays of the su? ^re injurious to it and should therefore not 
reach it. A newspaper placed over the side facing the sun, 
when it shines, is often sufficient protection. 

Once or twice a week the inside of the glass should be 
cleaned with the wiper, thus preventing algae covering it 
and obstructing the view. This wiper is a flat sponge or 
thick piece of felt securely fastened to an appropriately 
shaped metal plate on the end of a stick, or on the flattened 
and wider end of the stick itself At the same time the water 
lost by evaporation should be replaced. A scum that may 
be present on top of the water is removed by sliding pieces 

59 



6o THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

of newspaper over the water to which the scum will adhere. 

Once a week the sediment that has collected between 
the pebbles, introduced for this purpose, should be removed 
by the aid of a glass dip-tube or a rubber syphon. Sand 
that has been displaced by the fish, laying the root of the 
plants bare, is returned to its proper place with the dredge. 
This is a little scoop-like instrument of metal, fastened at 
right angles to a long handle. 

Sometimes it happens that a plant is pulled out of the 
sand by the fish, or accidentally by a visitor ; such a plant 
should be re-planted without delay. Make a hole in the 
sand with the dredge, and use the dip tube to hold it 
down at the roots while these are being covered with peb- 
bles and sand. 

Especially useful are these aquarium tools during the 
winter months, when the water is chilly, as they make it 
unnecessary to put the hands in the water at all. (See 
illustrations) p 141. 

RE-ARRANGING THE AQUARIUM. 

When the aquarium is to be thoroughly cleaned and re- 
arranged, which should be done once or twice every year, 
the water is drawn off with a rubber syphon to within about 
six inches from the bottom. (This water, if practicable, is 
saved and used again when the tank is re-filled, the older 
the water the better; water improves by age.) Next take 
out the rockwork, then all the plants, also the larger peb- 
bles, and now carefully catch and remove the fish, etc., 
placing them in a clean tin vessel with plenty of water of 
suitable temperature. Take out the balance of the water now 
and also the sand, but do not move the tank from its 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 6l 

position. After washing the sand particles off the inside of 
the glass to prevent scratching, clean the entire inside of 
the tank by rubbing it with ordinary table salt, using the 
fingers instead of a brush. All the brownish or green matter 
being taken off, the tank is once more washed with clean 
water, and is then ready again to receive the collection. 

The sand should be well washed in various waters until 
perfectly clean before it is put back into the tank. Where 
sand is easily obtained a new supply is preferable. 

The rock-work, or the rock used for it, should be scalded 
and then washed in salt water with a rough sponge or small 
scrubbing brush before replacing in position. 

The plants are then looked over and the most desirable 
ones selected and planted again without delay, the tank 
refilled, and fish, etc., returned as soon as possible. 

Two or three hours of labor once or twice in a year — 
what a wealth of pleasure, information and pastime will these 
bring to a home, school-room or hospital ? 

I cannot leave this chapter without calling attention to 
Emerson's words: "What is worth doing at all, is worth 
doing well." 




Chapter XI. 
SUNDRY DIRECTIONS. 



At what season of the year is an aquarium most desir- 
able? The aquarium has no winter, it is in this respect much 
like a conservatory, it is cheerful during a prolonged season of 
rough weather, but it is better than a conservatory, because 
its cooling, refreshing effect cheers us equally well during a 
dry, hot spell in summer, when just the contrary is the case 
with the conservatory. This advantage is fully appreciated by 
many who, through circumstances, have to spend the summer 
in the city. In addition to the summer scenery with which 
the aquarium delights us during winter time when in our 
home, it benefits the sanitary conditions of the apartments 
that it adorns through its purifying influence on the atmos- 
phere. The great faculty of the water to absorb purifies the 
air we breathe, and the evaporation from the tank relieves 
the air of the uncomfortable dryness caused by our modern 
heating apparatus. 

Parties who close their house during the summer may keep 
their goldfish in a basin of larger surface than the aquarium, 
sunk in the garden, here forming a miniature lake. Such a 
basin may be constructed of cemented masonry or wood, sim- 
ilar to one described for a store-tank, but twelve inches deep. 
Its location should be partly sunny, morning sun preferable, 

and it should be furnished with sand, rocks and plants, the 

62 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 63 

same as an indoor aquarium. It must be supplied with an 
overflow to carry off the surplus water during a storm^ and 
its top covered with a strong wire screen to keep the cats 
out. 

Any vessel used in connection with an aquarium should 
be absolutely clean. It is best, therefore, to have a special 
tin-pail exclusively for aquarium use. 

Fish should be handled as little as possible, and then with 
great care. The dip-net used for goldfish should not be fun- 
nel-shaped, as this would injure their fins, tails and scales, it 
also scrapes off too much slime from the body of the fish. 
This slime is a protective coat for the body, the same as a 
coat of paint or varnish is a protection to woodwork. This 
slime is of greater importance than most people think, parts 
deprived of it are subject to the attacks of fungus and other 
skin diseases. A dip-net for our purpose should be of soft 
material and shallow (see illustration page 141). When using 
it, aim to get the head and lower part of the fish in the net 
first ; now slowly lift the fish from the water, covering it 
with your left hand to keep it motionless and prevent it from 
leaping out of the net. 

Next of importance to the supply of oxygen for all animal 
life is the supply of food. Animal beauty depends largely 
upon the health of the animal. Improper food will make the 
best of them sick, or at least ill-humored. The contrary 
being the case if the food consists of what is palatable and 
wholesome to them. Fish make no exception to this rule. 
After many years of experimenting, I have succeeded in pre- 
paring a food that meets all wants ; it is palatable and whole- 
some to the fish ; is in a clean, handy form for the person 
handling it ; of good keeping quality and reasonable in price. 



64 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

Without wishing in the least to belittle fish foods manufact- 
ured by other parties in this or other countries, I recommend 
my " IXL " fish-food, which I have been using exclusively for my 
fish for over twenty-five years, as absolutely appropriate for 
its purpose. If you cannot obtain it from your dealer send 
for it direct, 

The excrements of the fish should be dark, either brownish, 
greenish or black ; if it is white or yellow it indicates over- 
feeding. In this case add a pinch of salt to the water qf 
the aquarium and stop feeding altogether for two days, reduc- 
ing their daily allowance after that. 

Fish newly obtained should be quarantined for at least a 
week and carefully observed before adding them to one's col- 
lection of choice specimens. 

In severely cold weather, goldfish have no appetite, the con- 
trary being the case during hot weather. Their meals should, 
therefore, be regulated accordingly. 

Tadpoles and snails are the scavengers, the Health Com- 
missioners of the aquarium. You can get along for a little 
while without snails, but an aquarium should never be without 
tadpoles — one for every two fish in the aquarium. 

Water, being absorbent in the highest degree, is easily 
spoiled. The purest water will be more or less injured and 
made doubtful for our purpose if it comes in contact with 
soluble matter. Copper, iron, galvanized iron, zinc, lead and 
new wood are injurious to water. These should, therefore, 
not come in contact with the water in which aquatic animals 
or plants are kept. Mineral specimens (ore) should, for the 
same reason, be kept out of a collection. Well tinned copper, 
good tinware and silver are not injurious. If the water of 
the aquarium turns opaque a day or two after it was filled, 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 65 

this is no cause for alarm. The water is then undergoing its 
natural metamorphosis, and it will, in a day or two more, be 
as brilliant as crystal. When water loses its brilliancy, turn- 
ing milky, and the fish remain near the surface breathing 
atmospheric air, the fish may be overfed, and the surplus 
food, or something else in the tank, is decaying. Find the 
cause and remove it. Add a good pinch of table salt to the 
water and aerate it by dipping it up with a cup and splash- 
ing it from a height of about i8 inches back again. Do this 
for five or ten minutes and the fish will feel relieved. Stop 
feeding for two days also. When water turns greenish it has 
too much light. Shade the tank with blue paper until it 
clears, and regulate the window shades better after that. Clear 
water turning flaky is a sign of an approching storm. 

Should an aquarium tank be filled up to the top ? This 
depends on the style of the casing or frame of the tank. An 
ordinary plain-framed or all-glass tank should not be filled to 
the top. It does not look right and endangers the fish, which 
will accidentally leap out. When the style of the frame is 
such that it may form a guard above the waterline, then it 
should be filled to the top (see plate V.). 

Tuffstone is a calcarious deposit over groups of reed, 
grass and moss, ages old. The vegetable matter having dis- 
appeared, nothing but the picturesquely-formed deposit is left. 
It is found a few feet below the surface of the earth, near 
the river Rhine and in Thuringia (Germany), not far from my 
birthplace, and also in the northern part of Ohio. The color 
varies, running from a light grayish - brown to a rust color, 
according to the locality where it was found. The best speci- 
mens for our purpose come from Thuringia, being of good 



66 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



color, bizarre in siiape, no two pieces alike, and light in 
weight. I introduced tuffstone for the purpose it is now used 
for first, in 1874. To cement broken pieces or to form rock- 
work for an aquarium, use equal parts of best Portland cement 
and sharp sand. It should be soaked in water over night 
before it is placed in an aquarium. 




'^^fr'^^-^ 







N" 



HM- 



Plate VI. 



PART III, 

THE PONDS AND THEIR CONSTRUCTION. 



Chapter XII. 



' Withholding facts is robbery." 

Orville Dewey. 



ABOUT FISH-PONDS IN GENERAL. 



A basin of water in the open air, so arranged or constructed that 
the water may be drawn off at any desired time, is called a pond. A 
body of water not under control, in the full sense of the word, is 
usually known as a pool or a lake. The dimension of such body of 
water does not necessarily regulate the name applied to it, as for 
instance, a pond may either be but a few feet in length and breadth, 
or it may cover an estate of hundreds of acres in extent, just as the 
requirements of the case may be. 

In countries far removed from the sea-shore, or any other natural 
source from which fish may be obtained in large quantities, the 
necessity arises for supplying the want by some means or other. 
This can only be done by cultivating them on a large scale, and in 
quantities sufficient to meet the demands of a steady market. The 
cultivation of fish for the purpose of food has been carried on for 
many generations, and so far back as the Middle Ages considerable 
attention was given by the monks to pond culture, in order that they 
might have a reliable source from which to procure fish during lent. 

From those days virtually dates the systematic culture of fish in 

waters that are thoroughly under control. 

67 



68 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

At that time means of transportation were meager and very slow, 
so that the cultivation of fish in the interior was a prime necessity, 
yet notwithstanding the rapid transit on the railroad of the present 
time, putting inland places in close connection with the ocean and 
other natural fish reservoirs, pond culture may be and is carried on 
with both success and profit. Though the railroad has made the salt- 
water fish a great rival of that cultivated in fresh water, the latter 
nevertheless has the advantage of always being marketable and close 
at hand. 

To so successful a degree has pond culture arrived at the present 
day, that one is enabled to propagate the scaly tribe in quantities 
without limit. 

The fish that was principally, if not to say exclusively, cultivated 
in ponds in former days, was the famous German carp; the estab- 
lishments founded three and even four centuries ago being still in 
successful operation, and may at any time be seen in various parts of 
Austria and Germany. So thoroughly has the industry been studied 
that it might almost be dignified with the name of a science. The 
profits arising from it are enormous, and it may be that interest has 
had something, if not very much, to do with the pond culture as it is 
now carried on. 

To give the reader an idea of its extent in those countries, it may 
be said that the carp ponds belonging to the manor of Wittengau 
number 250, and cover an area of 22,000 acres, the annual yield of 
fish from which is one-half million of pounds. Similar establish- 
ments are found on the manor Konigswartha, in Upper Silesia, with 
205 ponds, covering 9,000 acres; the manor Peitz-Cottbus (Branden- 
burgh) with 72 ponds, covering 5,600 acres. These and many other 
large establishments, to say nothing of thousands of ponds scattered 
all over Central Europe, give ample evidence that the industry is one 
of magnitude and importance. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 69 

In this country the cutting down of timber, the draining of the 
land, and the establishment of new industries have no doubt greatly 
increased the value of the soil, but have also influenced the decline 
in the productiveness of the water. 

This is a matter of serious importance, and one which is already 
claiming the attention of intelligent journalists who see the necessity 
of fighting the evil ere the remedy is beyond our reach. In fact, the 
fish industry of the country is one of national interest, and was, not 
many years ago, the cause of diplomatic difficulty between England 
and the United States, putting the latter to the expense of millions of 
money before the matter was satisfactorily adjusted. In view of these 
facts it will not be long before the necessity of cultivating fish for the 
market will make itself felt, just as it is in Europe to-day. 

The consumption of food-fish, of course, increases with the 
increase of population, while on the other hand, for reasons given, 
the supply is rapidly decreasing in quantity and quality. Besides the 
creeks and rivers are now becoming the sewers into which the wash- 
ings and dirt of the nation are poured, and the gradual destruction 
of our fish is consequently taking place right under our eyes. 

In the author's opinion, the decrease of our fish is not so much 
due to the use of small mesh seines, as many pretend, as it is to the 
increased demand for fish as food. The destruction caused by a few 
careless fishermen is more than counter-balanced by turtle-hunters 
and snake-killing boys, the one making it a business, the other 
engaging in it for sake of the sport, who between them catch and 
kill a multitude of these voracious enemies of the fish, which, in 
the water all the time, manage to destroy untold numbers of fish. 

The oft-repeated remark, "in former years this river used to be 
alive with fish," is very well in its way, and is, moreover, true; but 
it must not be forgotten that in former years there were not so many 
people recjuiring them for food. 



70 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

A bit of forest in which grow a few chestnut-trees was, by the 
then few village boys said to be "full of chestnuts," but now, when 
the village has become a large town or city, the few chestnut-trees 
are not looked upon with the same admiration because, though in 
equally good condition, they do not furnish chestnuts enough to 
go 'round. 

A piece of land of given size supplies in plenty, vegetables for 
one family, but if the family increases in numbers, and additions 
have to be made to the house at the expense of the piece of 
land, it can no longer furnish the original quantity of food. New 
land then is added to the field, or, if that is impossible, that remain- 
ing is forced to increased production by the use of manures. 

Now then, why not apply to pisciculture the rules guiding agri- 
culture, when viewed in this light ? The fish-consuming family has 
inordinately increased, its dwelling is enlarged at the expense of the 
fish-producing rivers which are now made to serve other purposes. 
New additions are consequently necessary and possible by the 
proper use of water-courses that are now going to waste. 

Pond-culture is not solely confined to the production of food-fish, 
there being many large establishments devoted to the exclusive 
culture of ornamental fish. 

The largest of these are also in Europe, one in Oldenburgh cov- 
ering twelve acres, yielding anually 300,000 goldfish, and affording 
employment to many people. A still larger establishment is that in 
Austria, belonging to Baron de Washington. 

There are besides many smaller establishments scattered about 
all over Europe, and generally near the large cities, just as we find 
florists in the immediate neighborhood of our own cities. 



Chapter XIII. 
THE CONSTRUCTION OF PONDS. 



The fish-culturist recognizes three kinds of ponds, which are 
designated by the source from which they receive their supply. 

First, the creek and river ponds ; these are fed from the source 
that gives them their names, and which may be, in fact, usually is, 
in the immediate neighborhood. The water may be conveyed to 
the ponds either by the action of a pump or by means of a drain, 
the latter undoubtedly being the least expensive, and the most relia- 
ble, besides requiring no further attention than to turn on or off 
when so desired. 

Second, spring-ponds, those fed by a spring, and it may be said in 
favor of such ponds that the supply of water is steady and of uni- 
form quality and temperature, besides being free from mud. 

Third sky-ponds, those that receive their supply from the rain that 
falls, and which is drained off or runs from the surface of adjoining 
fields. 

The value of a pond is based upon the reliability of its water 
supply, the quality of the same, as also that of the soil that forms 
the floor of the pond. Last but not least, is the location of the 
pond. The locality ought to be such that without any special 
expenditure of time, the pond can always be under supervision, thus 

guarding against pilfering upon the part of mischievous boys, the 

71 



72 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

depredations of muskrats, herons, cranes, etc. The water that 
supplies the ponds would better come from a spring or be gathered 
in the manner described for the sky-pond, as by this way one will 
avoid the annoyance and destruction caused by snakes, muskrats, 
frogs, etc., that are always found in small rivers and creeks, and 
which are sure to find their way to the pond, causing much 
trouble, to say nothing of the money value of that which they 
destroy. Besides this, the ponds should have some natural protec- 
tion against the high winds of spring time. This is very well 
afforded by a clump of trees close by, but much better if the pond 
is situated in a hollow between two or three small hills. These not 
only shelter the ponds, but tend to keep them warm by retaining the 
warmth of the sun in the spring, just at a time when it is most 
needed. In a warm and protected location of this kind, the fish 
will spawn several weeks before the ordinary beginning of the 
season, the young, of course, being ready for sale that much sooner, 
and the ponds are vacated for a second crop, thus bringing a quicker 
and more liberal return on the investment. 

Lastly, it is of but little use to locate ponds in a neighborhood 
that does not afford a market for the product, unless, indeed, the 
amateur should be in correspondence with such parties as would be 
likely to find it to their interest to handle his stock. 

The foregoing remarks oa ponds and those which follow are 
made with an especial view to the culture of goldfish, so that the 
novice as well as the amateur may get a distinct idea of the proper 
method of locating and constructing them, for upon this depends 
the success of the enterprise, and more so when it is engaged in for 
the purpose of yielding an income. 

We come now to a consideration of the immediate and practical 
points concerning the subject upon which we are engaged and which 
we wish to see in running order. After having determined to 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 73 

devote his spare time to tlie cultivation of goldfish, the amateur will 
hardly know where to commence or what to do first, neither will he 
know how to do it. That want the author thoroughly appreciates, 
and it is his aim to supply it in these pages, at the same time bearing 
in mind that the great majority will probably have but a small capital 
with which to commence business, and must necessarily confine 
themselves to such things as are most needed when making a start. 
After a beginning has been successfully accomplished, other and 
useful accessories may be added from time to time that will undoubt- 
edly greatly reduce labor and enhance the enjoyment of the pursuit, 
for if one does not take any interest in what he is engaged he can 
not hope to derive from it either pleasure or profit. 

The first thing then is to determine on a favorable site for the 
location of the ponds. This, as previously stated, should be one 
protected from cold winds and fully exposed to the sun, not for- 
getting that the soil to form the floor of the ponds should be as rich 
as possible. It must also be borne in mind for it is a very essential 
requisite, that every pond must be drawn off at times, and independ- 
ently of all others. When this can not be accomplished by turning 
to account the natural declivity or resources of the site, the series 
must be so arranged that this may be accomplished in sections, or, in 
other words, the ponds so situated that two or three or more, as the 
case may be, can be emptied at will. 

The manner in which ponds are to be constructed in any given 
case is, as a matter of necessity, to be governed by the circumstances 
as tbey exist, anything favorable for them to be taken advantage of 
and turned to good account. A natural valley or hollow may be 
dammed up at the lower end, thus enabling the culturist to place his 
ponds on top of the ground, so to speak, or they may be made by 
digging out the soil to the required size and depth to receive the 
frames hereafter to be decribed. 



74 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

As before stated, there are many enemies which prey upon the 
goldfish, and all of which are to be guarded against in the construc- 
tion of the ponds in which they are expected to live and increase. 
If left alone and without the protection of man, the circumstances 
must be exceptionally favorable under which they can thrive and 
multiply. For the systematic raising of goldfish, therefore, a series 
of ponds is indispensable, each of which is constructed and arranged 
to meet the requirements of the specific purpose for which it is 
intended. All of them, however, are based upon the same funda- 
mental principle and must have adjustable inlets and outlets, other- 
wise they can not be under complete control, the reason for which 
a little experience will soon explain. The number of ponds needed 
for the culture of goldfish does not exceed four, and in their order 
are the spawning-pond, rearing-pond, storage-pond, and winter-pond. 
The spawning-ponds or "beds" are those ponds in which the parent 
fish are placed when the breeding time arives, and are to be kept 
there throughout the duration of that season, and solely for the 
purpose of depositing the eggs. The iraring-pojids are those in 
which the young fry is placed or " planted" and to keep them until 
they are of a marketable size. The storage-ponds are for the purpose 
of keeping saleable stock until wanted, and in a situation readily 
accessible at a moment's notice. The last in order is the winter-pond, 
in which the parent fish, and those of the younger that are intended 
for the same purpose, are carried through the inclemencies of the 
winter. 

The greatest depth of all the ponds, the winter-pond excepted, 
should not be made to exceed twenty-four (24) inches, and this to be 
at that end where the outlet is placed. From twenty-four inches at 
one end the depth should gradually decrease until the watc depth 
at the head is not greater than six (6) inches. (See illustration.) 

The upper edges of the dams of the ponds should not be less 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 75 

than six inches above the highest water capacity, thus avoiding over- 
flow during heavy rain-storms; neither should they be less than 
eighteen (i8) in width. It is also necessary that the dams be made 
very carefully, so that when soaked with water they will not sink or 
cave in with their own weight. A most excellent material of which 
to build them consists simply of sod cut into suitable pieces and laid 
one upon another, just as a stone-mason lays one stone upon the 
other, the whole when thus laid becomes very solid and compact, 
and capable of resisting considerable pressure, and will withstand 
the wear and tear of the weather and the weight of the body when 
walking over them. Where there is danger prevailing from a 





'■ 'fi, ' 'i. - ^ : — 

/ ■ / 'V ' '' '' ' ' 

>»//-" . _- -g.. ■ ♦- ^ m .,//„,v/y„T, ..,. 

Longitudinal Section of Goldfish Pond. 

sudden freshet in an adjoining creek, it is a wise precaution to build, 
in addition, a strong dam on the outside and in the direction from 
which the danger is expected. For greater safety this dam may be 
in its turn protected with boards, so as to prevent gradual washing 
away. Each inlet, /. e., the point at which the water supply makes 
its way into the pond, is to be guarded with galvanized iron netting 
of a tolerably coarse mesh, about eight to the inch, as a small mesh 
clogs very readily, and only adds the additional care of keeping it 
clean. The outlet is formed of two gutters of which one fits in an 
upright position tightly on the end of the other, which leads through 
the bottom of the dam, forming a right angle. (See illustration.) 
The one leading through the dam is closed tightly on all four 
sides, but on the upright one the side facing the pond is closed 
with adjustable sections cut from flooring boards. By means of 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 




these movable parts the level of the water in the pond can be 
regulated as occasion may require. The overflow, that is, where 
the water is running out, is guarded by a wire screen of the same 
sized mesh as before mentioned, and adjustable in the same manner 
as the other boards protecting the opening. 
When it is desirable to drain the pond, one 
section or board is removed at a time, always 
taking care to place the wire screen upon 
the top by letting it slide down into the 
grooves. (See illustration.) 
Outlet for Pond. A most important point, and one to be 

insisted upon in the construction of ponds, is to so arrange the water 
supply that it will at all times be under complete control. Each pond 
is to receive its supply independently of all the rest, and the water 
must also, when need be, be cut off from the pond without inter- 
fering with the supply of others. The supply channel must likewise 
have an independent "run," so that the water it contains when not 
wanted for use in the ponds, may find its way out of the establish- 
ment. This point is one of great importance, especially during heavy 
rain-storms, as the large increase m the volume of water would cause 
the ponds to overflow and probably do great damage. 





Plate VII. 



Chapter XIV. 
THE AUTHOR'S ESTABLISHMENT. 



The accompanying diagram will serve as a reliable guide for the 
construction and arrangement of a complete establishment for the 
raising of goldfish. 

It will be observed that the ponds are arranged in a semi-circle, 
not because the "horseshoe" is all the rage, but simply for the 
reason that the little valley in which they are located is encircled by 
small but steep hills running in that direction. As previously stated, 
the disposition of the ponds must of necessity be in accordance with 
the topography or "lay of the land" in the locality determined upon, 
and the amateur will have to follow accordingly, though there are 
changes and modifications that he can make, and in many instances 
with great advantage. 

DESCRIPTION OF PLAN. 
A. — Spawning or propagating beds. 
B. — Rearing ponds. 
C. — Storage ponds and nursery. 
D.— Winter pond. 

E. — Isolated pond for special purposes. 
F. — Catch-basin for stray fish. 
G. — Lodge, where the eggs are hatched. 
H. — Wind-brake and guard against freshets. 
I. — Creek, passing the establishment. 
Star — Location of springs. 
Arrow. — Direction of water flow. 
Dotted lines. — Supply drain. 
Bracket.— OviWeis. 

77 



78 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURH. 




Chapter XV. 
THE PROPAGATING BED. 



Having now had a general view of the ponds, the reader's 
attention is directed to a detailed study of them, each one separately, 
the method of their construction, and the reason why they differ 
from one another; for, being made each with a specific purpose to 
serve, they of course must be built with that object in view. 

The spawning-pond, or "propagating bed," is situated at that 
end of the rearing-pond where the water makes its entrance. It is a 
division consisting of a board frame eighteen (i8) inches in depth 
and four (4) feet wide by eight (8) feet long, fashioned very much 
like the frame of a gardener's hot-bed. This frame, when ready, is 
to be sunk about two inches into the soil composing the bottom of the 
pond, and very accurately at that; for if this precaution is not taken, 
the fish are very apt to escape from the pond through any aperture 
that may be left. The upper edge of the frame should be not less 
than six inches above the usual level of the water, thus preventing 
the danger of overflow. In the side facing the supply drain, about 
two inches above the water level, and in the other forming the 
division of the rearing-pond, about one inch below this level, small 
openings for the entrance and exit of the water are cut and care- 
fully covered with galvanized iron-wire gauze, of about eight meshes 

to the inch. 

79 



8o THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

This box, the bottom of which is formed by the floor of the pondj 
is to be covered with a well-fitting frame, mounted upon hinges and 
also covered with galvanized iron-wire netting of one mesh to the 
inch. This wire screen serves to prevent the approach of numerous 
enemies that would otherwise greatly interfere with the spawners, if 
not destroy them altogether. By following the above given direc- 
tions for the construction of the frame the greatest economy possible 
can be had, for the lumber in the board as obtained from the dealers, 
measures twelve (12) and sixteen (16) feet in length, so that the 
measurements, eight by four feet, can always be had without unnec- 
essary waste of lumber. Besides this, the wire netting is obtained in 
any length, and also four (4) feet in width, so that here too is a 
saving of material, and consequently of expense. 

Inside of this frame, or box, as it may be called when placed 
into position, another frame upon which wire netting is stretched, is 
to be sunk. The size of the mesh is to be such as is best adapted to 
the size of the fish that are to be placed in the pond. It is very easy 
to see that this false bottom subserves a very useful purpose, and 
often saves time that at the moment is otherwise valuable. When, 
for one reason or another, it is desirable to remove the fish, the only 
requirement is simply to raise the frame to get it into shallow 
water, when the whole contents of the pond can be examined at 
ease. 

A spawning-pond, such as the one described, can be, and with 
propriety too, constructed separately and wholly isolated. But if it 
is made a division of the rearing-pond, a good advantage is secured, 
namely, the stream of water that passes through it will carry into the 
rearing-pond such of the young fish as were hatched from undiscov- 
ered eggs. They will thus escape being devoured by the parent, and 
besides will get into the place intended for them, and where the 
chances for their growing up are vastly in their favor. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. Si 

THE NURSERY. 
This is merely an apartment temporarily established in the 
storage-pond, which serves the purpose of protecting the young 
during their earliest infancy. 

THE REARING POND. 

This pond differs from the preceding in several respects. To 
begin with, it is five times as large, the size eight (8) feet by twenty 
(20) being in many ways the most convenient, as experience has 
abundantly proven. 

In constructing this, as well as the others, it is not absolutely 
necessary that the outlet should be directly opposite the inlet, 
though such an arrangement insures the most complete changing of 
the contents (the water) by the current passing from one end to the 
other. The location of the outlet and inlet must be determined by 
the judgment of the builder when seeking to get the best results he 
can, from the circumstances and surroundings of the locality in 
which he places his ponds. It is necessary, however, that the inlet 
should be one or two inches above the water level, so that the fish 
will be prevented from getting into the supply drain, should there 
happen to be a defect in the guard. In constructing the pond, the 
remarks applying to ponds in general are to be respected. The 
dams must reach six inches above the water level, and the floor be as 
uniform as possible, with a regular incline of from six (6) inches 
depth at one end to twenty-four (24) inches at the other. The 
deepest part to be at the outlet, insuring a perfect and even drawing 
off, whenever that may be needed. 

One or two plants, such as Nymphaea only, should be planted in 
the soil of the bottom, as their floating leaves afford shelter to the 
fish in very hot weather. Besides it offers greater convenience for 
the fish to reach deep water upon the approach of danger, as in such 



82 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

cases fish always dart to the bottom, and being there, they get out of 
the way much sooner. If placed near the outlet, it is also easier to 
gather the flowers when the plants are in blossom; this is probably a 
small point, but one that will be appreciated upon trial. Should the 
plants not be available, one or two pieces of board left floating on 
the water will answer the purpose. If it is impossible to isolate the 
rearing-ponds from each other, the consequences are not at all 
serious, but things should be so arranged that the very large fish are 
not mixed up with the small ones, as the latter would then be 
deprived of their share of the natural food the pond itself supplies. 

THE STORAGE POND. 

This pond is for the sole purpose of 'keeping the saleable fish 
where they can easily be secured when desired, assorted according to 
variety, color and size, and kept in good condition till wanted. 

It is to be so located that it will not interfere with the draining off" 
of the other ponds. 

Its construction does not differ in anywise Irom that of the 
rearing-pond, as indeed it can be used for rearing, if not wanted for 
nursery purposes (of which we will treat further on), until wanted 
for its destined purpose. 

It is best, however, to divide it with boards into different parts of 
equal size, so as to secure a general fit of wire covers. 

THE WINTER POND. 

This is best located close by a spring, so that the constant flowing 
in of a stream of water of even temperature will prevent the surface 
of the pond from freezing over entirely, in which case the fish would 
die. The depth of the pond ought not to be less than three feet, 
and its sides closely lined with boards or masonry, thus affording 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 83 

protection from enemies and preventing caving in. The flow of 
water is to enter at one end, traverse the length of the pond, and 
leave at the opposite extremity. The dimensions of the winter 
quarters need not be very large, as during the winter season, fish in 
a natural state, pass that time in a semi-torpid condition, eat no food, 
and are not revived until they get the warmth of the sun in early 
spring. 

A compartment of four (4) feet by eight (8), and of the above 
depth, will carry about fifty fish of eight to ten inches in length 
safely through the winter. 

Where it can be done, the fish may be wintered over in a green 
house cistern, or in aquaria where they may be under close observa- 
tion, and at the same time be of some ornamental value. If in the 
open air, the winter-pond is, of course, to be covered with wire 
netting to keep out the various birds and animals that would prey 
upon them; it is also well to protect the greater part of the top with 
boards, keeping out as much snow as possible. 




PART IV. 

The Propagation and Car e of the Goldfish 



Chapter XVI. 

" Nature my school, the water my field. 

THE ANATOMY OF THE GOLDFISH. 



Before we enter into the details of the propagation of the fish, 
it is necessary to learn something about its anatomy. 

A study of the accompanying cut (which is merely diagramatic) 
will greatly assist the reader in getting a clear understanding of 
the internal arrangement of the several parts with which it is 
most necessary to be familiar. 




ANATUMICAL SKETCH OF GOLDFISH. 



We will consider first the scales, as they are almost the first thing 
to strike the eye. These scales are so arranged upon the surface 
of the body that they overlap each other just in the manner that a 

84 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



85 



carpenter lays shingles on a roof, being disposed in such a way 
that the friction incident upon the movement of the fish in the 
water is reduced to the smallest proportion. As the fish grows 
older and larger the scales increase in size. 

Near the middle of the body and running along each side of the 
fish, there is a line or row of scales that possess peculiarities distin- 
guishing them from other scales. 

These scales are pierced with a tubular aperture, and the tubes of 
which they are the exit are quite distinct, and form the so-called 

"lateral line." Through these 
tubes a slimy substance or mu- 
cous is exuded, which covers the 
entire body, seemingly for the 
purpose of making the fish water- 
proof and of further reducing the 
friction in the water. These 
tubes always point from the ma- 
iscALE FROM L.vTERAL LINE. (Enlarged.) trix, or root of the scale, towards 
the tail of the fish. It is scales of this description that naturalists 
refer to when seeking to learn the species to which the fish belongs, 
because the peculiarities of their structure differ in them. (See 
illustration.) 

The next thing most noticeable are the Jins, these being named 
according to their location upon the body of the fish and subserve 
various purposes. The />ecioral fins (fig. a.) are those situated in the 
place corresponding with the fore-legs of animals, the ventral fins 
(fig. b.) being placed where the hind-legs of animals are found. 
The dorsal fin (fig. c.) is that one found upon the back of the fish. 
That fin situated behind the anus receives its name from that part, 
and is known as the arial fin (fig d.), while the tail of a fish is prop- 
erly called the caudal fin, (fig. e.) 




S6 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

The tvater in which the fish lives is very nearly as heavy as the 
fish itself, the latter then requiring comparatively little strength to 
move about. The motion necessitating the greatest expenditure of 
power is that of propulsion forward, and is accomplished by the 
action of the caudal fin. The pectoral fins are used to change the 
water in the neighborhood of the gills, thus serving as adjunct 
respiratory organs. 

The ventral fins are mainly useful as a brake when the fish wishes 
to come to a sudden stop when in motion, or for a backward move- 
ment ; the dorsal and anal fins serve the purpose of balancing the body. 

The gills, which are organs of respiration, are situated on each 
side of the head, protected by "opercles" or gill-covers, (fig. f.) 
The gills themselves consist of bony arches which are covered with 
a tissue containing a large number of blood-vessels. As a rule there 
are four of these arches on each side of the head. The life-giving 
principle that supports animal life is a gas called oxygen, and as this 
exists in the water, the function of the gills is to extract it. When 
the water passes through them, as it does when taken in by the 
mouth of the fish, and is pressed through the gills, it comes in con- 
tact with the blood-vessels, the oxygen being absorbed into the blood 
for the nourishment of that fluid and the body generally. 

It will thus be seen that it is not the water that the fish breathes, 
as many suppose, but the air contained in it, as can be proved by 
placing fish in water from which the air has been taken, by pro- 
longed boiling or otherwise. 

Fish that are kept in a vessel will come up to the surface where 
the air can be mixed with the water when that in the water of the 
vessel has become exhausted. It would seem from the fact that as 
the fish breathes only the air and not the water, that it could just as 
well live in the open air, where it could get plenty. Such is not the 
case however, for the gills are so constituted by nature that they 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 87 

need something to keep them apart, so that their surfaces may be 
exposed and perform their functions properly, otherwise they would 
close together, the blood-vessels would cease to absorb the oxygen, 
resulting, of course, in the death of the fish. It is necessary, then, 
that a stream of water should constantly flow through them, as it 
does, the absorption of oxygen then going on as nature intended. 

The /learf o( the fish lies just behind the head and between the 
gills (fig. g.). It is a muscular organ consisting of three parts, an 
auricle, a ventricle, and an arterial bulb. The venous or stale blood 
is pumped into the gills by the heart, where it receives a fresh supply 
of oxygen. From the gills it is sent to an arterial trunk, lying along 
the under side of the vertebral column, (fig. h.) from which it is 
distributed all over the body of the fish. 

As fish have no lungs, they can not possess a voice. 

The goldfish is supplied with a divided air-bladder {^g, i. i.) which 
can be filled or emptied at will. This bladder is a sac formed of a 
tough membrane, and is situated between the spinal column and the 
stomach, (fig. k.) 

It appears that the air-bladder is either for the purpose of increas- 
ing the weight of the fish when empty, and decreasing it when full, 
thus exercising a modifying influence upon the weight of the fish 
when compared with that of the water. 

The eyes of the goldfish are well developed, but so far as hearing 
is concerned, opinions differ, and the question is still disputed. It 
may be stated that if fish hear at all, it is with great difficulty. 

It is the custom in some places where fish are kept to call them 
to their feeding place by the tolling of a bell, and they come, but it 
is a question whether they come because they hear the sound, or 
that they see the motion of the person ringing the bell, or that of 
the bell itself; this, then, can not be cited in proof of the theory 
that they hear. 



88 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

Music or the report of firearms does not affect them at all, but 
the flash from the discharged gun will scare them. * 

Do fish sleep ? Yes. 

In the act of sleeping they do not close the eyelids, for the very 
good reason that they have none; neither do they select the night 
for the purpose. Goldfish have been seen asleep in the broad sun- 
light of the forenoon, and the same varieties have also been found 
sleeping at midnight. Their time for resting then, does not occur 
at stated periods, but whenever the desire comes upon them. The 
fish may very easily be observed in slumber, remaining perfectly 
still, the only motion being that of the breathing apparatus and the 
pectoral fins, the action being very slow but regular. All the other 
fins are at rest, and the pupils of the eyes appear to be drawn back. 
The other senses taste and st/iell 2ixe very well developed. 

We come now to the consideration of the process of reproduction. 
The organs for this purpose are distributed between two individuals — 
the male and the female. The female organs consist of two sacs 
located immediately below the spinal column on each side of 
the air bladder, uniting towards the posterior end in a single 
oviduct which discharges outside, behind the anus (fig 1.). These 
contain the eggs by thousands and which increase in size when the 
spawning season arrives, greatly distending the ovarian sacs. The 
ripe egg when it separates from the ovary, passes through a tube 
i^fhe oviduct) (fig. m,) the opening of which, as before stated, is 
outside, immediately behind the anus. (fig. n.) 

In the male fish the spermatic organs which are located the same 
as the sacs in the female, secrete a thick white fluid which contains 
innumerable small organic bodies, which when discharged and in a 
fresh condition, move about, enter the egg, impregnate it and start 
the development of the embryo. These bodies which are called 
spermatazoa, consist of an anterior thicker part, the so-called head, 



* It has been definitely settled that fishes do not hear. They feel the vibrations 
caused by certain sounds. (Third Edition.) 







THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. Sg 

and the more attenuated part or tail. In the water these little organ- 
isms can live but one or two minutes, but when taken from the fish 
and placed in a bottle kept at a proper temperature, they may be 
preserved alive for six days. This discovery was made by a Russian 
fish culturist in 1856 and is very important to the artificial propagation 
of fish as it enables the crossing of different species. 

The rggs when first spent in the water have the shape of a slightly 
pressed in rubber ball, and as soon as they 
^J^ ^^'%^ come in contact with liquid, they expand and 

suck it in through a microscopically small 
hole. (See illustration.) The spermatic germs 
^^. of the male being present in this liquid are thus 

^^\~,^-—-.'<f\ introduced and fertilize the egg. 

' A — Spermatic Corpuscle. B — Germinative Disk. 

Fertilization of Fish Egg. C— Nutritive Yolk. 

The fecundation of the egg consists in the entry of the spermatic 
corpuscles and the subsequent production of a subdivision of the 
germinative disc, which phenomenon is called the process of "seg- 
mentation " or " furrowing." This is followed by a series of successive 
changes, of which the final result is the embryo, which, subsisting or 
being nourished by the yolk, gradually develops into the perfect fish. 

The young fish when first hatched is supplied with a sac called 
\\\^ yolk-bag, from which it derives its nourishment during the early 
period of its independent existence. When this has been exhausted 
it is then ready to seek other food and this it finds in various 
microscopic organisms that exist in profuse abundance in the water. 
As the fish grows larger and gains strength, other and coarser food is 
sought and devoured. 




Chapter XVII. 
PROPAGATION. 



Among fish culturists it is the universal custom to divide fishes 
into two classes according to the season in which they spawn; we 
thus have summer spawning and winter spawning fish. They are 
further more distinguished as they differ in the mode of depositing 
the eggs, as some are laid on or in receptacles usually called " nests," 
especially prepared by the fish for that purpose, and others again are 
dropped loosely into the water without any precautions having been 
taken for their protection. In the latter case they again differ in 
being either "adhesive" or "non-adhesive," in the one instance 
adhering to anything they may happen to touch and remaining until 
hatched, in the other sinking to the bottom or floating about at 
random on the surface. 

The goldfish belongs to the summer spawning class, builds no 

nest and its eggs are adhesive in the full sense of the word. In those 

fish depositing non-adhesive eggs, the extrusion of them by hand, 

and their artificial impregnation is profitable, but with the carp-like 

fishes, a higher percentage of young is obtained when the spawning 

is allowed to proceed in its natural manner. Besides, their eggs not 

being mature all at the same time, would make the operation of 

extrusion an oft-to-be repeated affair, and which, furthermore, would 

greatly endanger the life of the fish and require much time and 

attention. 

go 




Plate VIII. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 9^ 

Goldfish raising is therefore confined to: — 

I. Guiding Nature with regard to the "survival of the fittest, " and with it 
of course the pure strain. 

II. Assisting Nature by securing suitable spawning resorts. 
III. Regulating the spawning season, and 

IV. Protecting their spawn and young. 

SELECTION OF BREEDERS. 

As soon as the spring weather sets in with sufficient sunshine to 
affect the temperature of the water, the fish in their winter quarters 
rise near the surface and become lively again. This is the time to 
get the spawning beds ready for action. Whatever month or date 
that may be, is determined by the respective locality of the ponds, 
viz., their situation in a northern or southern climate, and there, 
whether they are exposed or protected. The beds are then filled 
with water to the proper level, and all details concerning the pond 
are attended to, so that it will be in complete running order. When 
all is ready, the fish from which it is intended to breed are selected, 
and right here reside the fundamental conditions upon which depend 
the production of a good and saleable crop of fish. The fish used to 
breed from should be healthy in every respect, of good shape and 
color, and of gentle, fully domesticated habits. All these qualities 
will be inherited by their young. In regard to the color of the fish, 
it is of o-reat importance to know at what age this was acquired, as 
such fish that colored at an age of si.x: to eight weeks transmit the 
same tendency to their young on an average of 98%. In contrast 
with this, those fish whose coloring was delayed until the second 
year, when bred, produce but 5% of young that will color in the 
first year, while the remainder do not assume their red, yellow, or 
white coloring until the second year, a great many never changing, 
always remaining "silver" fish. 



92 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

The coloring attained by the fish generally remains so, though 
there are instances in which the red markings may become milky 
white, and what was previously white changes to red, or black spots 
may appear, or if present, be lost. This may occur either wholly or 
in part. A satisfactory reason for this phenomenon can not be 
given. 

The selection of faultless beauties for breeding purposes, how- 
ever, is not absolutely necessary, such specimens are best kept for 
exposition purposes. Any fish whose fins may have become injured 
in any way, by accident or otherwise, but have grown again in some 
crooked or objectionable shape, are nevertheless perfectly fit for the 
spawning bed, if they are otherwise in perfect condition, though for 
ornamental purpose they would be of little account. 

It may be remarked in this connection, and with propriety, that 
certain peculiarities in the shape of foreign fish, /. e., those newly 
introduced, are in the course of time, lost, when imported into the 
United States, the change of climate, locality, food, etc , producing 
gradual changes in their typical forms, assuming or acquiring, so to 
speak, an American type. In view of this, the culturist should 
never neglect to infuse new blood into his stock whenever a favor- 
able opportunity offers, for by so doing he can keep it up as near to 
the original standard as it is possible to do under the change of 
circumstances. 

At the breeding season the sexual differences are plainly revealed 
to the practiced eye of the patient observer — not before. Upon 
close inspection the bony plates that cover the gills, the gill-covers, 
or openles, will be found covered with small white prominences, 
usually denominated tubercles. Those fish bearing this distinguishing 
mark are male fish. These tubercles appear on the fish when it 
is in condition for reproduction, and disappear when that 
function ceases to be in an active state. This period may be of longer 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



93 




Head of Male Goldfish. 



or shorter duration in different individuals, and it will also be seen 
that the number of the tubercles will vary in the different specimens 
upon which they are observed. (See illus- 
tration.) The usual method of distinguish- 
ing the male from the female by not- 
ing the presence of a short dorsal fin 
is not reliable; in fact, it is not only 
misleading, but false, as such short, or 
more properly speaking, "deformed" 
dorsal fin, is found just as frequently 
upon female fishes. The tubercles are 
aharp, very similar to the projections upon a 
rasp, and seem to have for their function 
the assisting of the female to pass its eggs through the canal. This 
theory is apparently substantiated by the fact that the male uses 
them in such a manner by pressing against the belly of the female 
that one is irresistibly led to the conclusion that they can exist for 
no other purpose. 

The females to be selected must show an expanded belly, which 
evidences the maturity of the eggs, as it has been stated before, that 
when arrived at that period, they increase in size, and it is by this 
appearance only that the culturist can decide that the time for the 
female to spawn has arrived. 

It is worse than useless to place in the spawning bed fish that are 
not in perfect condition to perform the functions, as some goldfish 
are sterile, and will only disturb the arrangements that have been so 
carefully made for that purpose. Whether these particular fish will 
remain sterile for a season or for as long as they live can not be 
decided. As a rule, it is best to select three females and four males 
when of good size, or six females and four males, when the former 
are small yearlings, for each spawning bed. It is also important to 



94 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

match the sizes of the fish ; should this not be possible, in case the 
females are larger than the males, two or three males may be 
required to mate with the females. The best age for spawners is that 
between two and four years. 

The selection having been made, all those hsh not wanted for 
present use are returned to the winter pond. 




Chapter XV'III. 
PREPARING THE SPAWNING BED. 



As the goldfish deposits its spawn upon plants that live in the 
water, it is necessary that the natural condition of things be closely 
imitated in preparing the bed in which the fish are expected to 
spawn. These plants can be obtained from any neighboring creek 
or marsh (that with a gravel bottom preferred). Those marsh plants 
possessing fibrous roots are either pulled or dug up with their roots 
entire; they are then washed thoroughly to cleanse them of the 
adhering mud, and closely examined to see that there are no eggs of 
other fish or insect larvse upon them. Having secured enough of 
these for the present, say half a dozen good clumps for each bed, 
they are then placed loosely in the water of the bed, along that side 
where the sun shines upon them in the morning. On these roots the 
females will deposit their eggs Later in the season, when aquatic 
plants have commenced to grow, these roots can be^j^smoved and 
replaced with such aquatics as the Horn or Waxworth {Ceratophyllum 
deinersuni), and the Canal Pest (^Anacharis canadensis). These plants 
are especially good to catcli the eggs when dropped by the fish. 

The water supply is now shut off from the bed, only an occa- 
sional supply being let in to preserve the proper height at which the 
water should remain. 

If the goldfish are kept in places where it is impossible to get 

them out, and their spawn is wanted, large bunches of the fibrous 

95 



96 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

roots can be tied to a string fastened to the shore, and allowed to 
float about upon the water. When containing spawn, they can be 
brought out merely by pulling the string, when the eggs can be 
removed and taken care of by the one in charge. 

When the fish are wintered over in sheltered localities, as a green- 
house for instance, the spawning season will commence a great deal 
in advance of that outside. In such a location, spawn may be 
expected from the middle of February, while that event seldom takes 
place in the open air earlier than the latter part of April or the begin- 
ning of May. When the spawning has begun, it is continued until 
the setting in of frost, with now and then an interval of a week 
or two. 

In northern climes, where the season is short, it may be length- 
ened by placing over the spawning bed and nursery frames covered 
with glass, the principle being the same as that of the gardener's 
hot-bed. If this is done, it must not be forgotten that in fair weather 
an abundance of air should be admitted, and also that the bed is to 
be protected from great and sudden changes of temperature, as 
either would be fatal ; in fact, the breeder is to exercise his intelli- 
gence in the matter, for he certainly must know that as he is keeping 
up a kind of artificial climate, he must not forget to preserve it as 
evenly as possible, otherwise one cold night would (if the frame had 
not been replaced after airing the bed) destroy many days of patient 
toil. 

If, in between spawning periods, the fish should rest longer than 
is desired by the breeder, the males are to be changed from one bed 
into the other, and the water in the latter well aerated by letting a 
stream flow through it for a whole day, when the spawning will soon 
be in full process again. 



Chapter XIX. 
CARE OF THE EGGS. 



"In the morning sow thy seed, " says Solomon: — This advice 
of the Sage of the East has many applications to the affairs of 
every day life, and amongst other things it may well apply to 
the subject under consideration, not in its literal sense, but in the 
spirit of the admonition. As the early morning is the best time to 
sow seed, so is the morning of the season the best time to spawn the 
fish, as they are then in their best condition for that process, and 
besides the young will have a much better opportunity to grow with- 
out molestation, their most inveterate enemies not appearing until 
after the season is further advanced. Thus it is that a greater per- 
centage survives, which, becoming marketable before the main crop 
arrives, bring higher prices and give the culturist encouragement by 
a quick return upon his labor and capital. 

Again our quotation hits the mark, for the earlier the spawn is 
taken from the bed the greater will be the reduction of losses, as by 
leaving it exposed, the spawners themselves devour it. 

The early morning is the favorite time for the goldfish to spawn, 
though it is sometimes kept up until noon. The fish are seen chas- 
ing each other and rolling over the material thrown into the water 
for that purpose. Upon inspection of the loosely floating clumps of 
roots, we discover that they have adhering to them a great many 
small round watery-white, creamy or yellow colored balls about the 
size of a pinhead; these are the eggs of the goldfish. The bunches 
of roots are then carefully removed from the water, and the individ- 
ual rootlets bearing the eggs are either cut off with a knife or pair of 

97 



98 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

scissors, or they may be detached v/ith the thumb-nail. Great care 
must be taken not to disturb the eggs or injure them in any way 
while detaching the rootlets. They are then placed in a one-gallon 
candy jar, filled with clear water of the same temperature as that of 
the bed. Such a jar is best not over-crowded, about one hundred 
eggs being as many as that capacity can safely and conveniently 
carry, the object being to give the young fish, when hatched out, 
plenty of room, both to move about and obtain sufficient fresh water 
for respiration. When the jars have received their quota of eggs, 
they are taken into the house or put into some other convenient 
place selected for the purpose, but in such a situation that they will 
constantly be under close supervision. 

It is best to set them near a window, within the reach of the 
morning sun, there to remain untouched until the eggs are hatched. 

The time required for the hatching varies from two (2) to six (6) 
days, it taking place most rapidly in warm weather. The temperature 
of the water, most advantageous for the hatching is between 60° F., 
and 90° F. , more or less is dangerous. 

This method of caring for the eggs secures to them a more 
effective guard against enemies, as well as muddy water, heavy rains, 
and hail storms, all of which would militate against them if hatched 
in the open air and in the ponds. The candy-jar system furthermore 
recommends itself for the hatching of the eggs in this, that the whole 
process is under complete control and offers every facility for close 
inspection at all times. The jars can be obtained anywhere, are 
cheap, and are very convenient to handle, in short, just the thing for 
the purpose. For convenience of study, the marking of dates, 
names of varieties, etc., together with any notes that it is desired to 
make, a piece of paper can be pasted upon the outside of the jar, 
it will always be there, and the record kept upon it can ahvays be 
seen at a glance. 



Chapter XX. 
FIRST CARE OF THE YOUNG. 



About the second or third day after the young have left the 
eggs, they become strong enough to swim freely about in the water, 
and can then be transferred to the nursery, temporarily established 
in some part of the storage pond, which is generally not in use at 
this season. Here they are carefully guarded until they become 
about half an inch in length. For this purpose the storage pond is 
filled with water to a height of six inches at the deepest part; all 
living creatures, especially insects and their larvae, are to be removed 
with the aid of a fine dip-net. No plants should be placed in the nurs- 
ery, as it is important that it always be under the control of the eye. 
Each morning the young are carefully inspected, and any enemies 
that may happen to have made their appearance must instantly be 
removed and killed. During the remainder of the time, a cover is 
kept over the frame in order to prevent the dragon-flies from deposit- 
ing their eggs in the water, as these, when hatched, are very destruc- 
tive to the young fish. 

As the different lots of eggs are hatched in the jars, and the 
young become strong enough to swim about, they are placed in the 
nursery until a division of four by four (4 by 4) feet contains from 
four hundred (400) to five hundred (500) fish. The next division 
is then prepared and stocked in the manner described, and so on 
until all the spawn has been so treated. 



r 1^ 



99 



THK GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



At the expiration of about a week from the time the first young 
were placed in the nursery, the strongest are taken out in the follow- 
ing manner: A candy jar is filled half-full of water from the nursery, 
and set right in the center of the bed and resting upon the bottom of 
it. The largest fish are now slowly and gently caught with a 
small dip-net, one at a time, and immediately in the same careful 
manner placed in the jar, counting them as they are transferred. It 
is not advisable to place more than fifty of these little fish in the jar 
while removing them, neither should they remain in it longer than is 
necessary to transfer them into the rearing ponds, the whole time 
consumed in the operation should not exceed a few minutes. 

The morning is the proper time of day to perform this operation, 
as the temperature of the water in the various ponds is at that time 
most uniform. If the manipulation is done at any other period of 
the day, it becomes necessary to gradually equalize the temperature, 
as a difference of a few degrees only would prove fatal to the tender 
young if suddenly removed from one water to another. 




Plate IX, 



Chapter XXI. 
SETTING OUT THE YOUNG FISH. 



The day before the fish are transplanted from the nursery into the 
rearing poiid, the water is let into the latter, but not sooner than this. 
The reason for this is, that the water, if allowed to stand longer, 
would produce an over abundance of food, and with it, of course, a 
host of dangerous insects. If the young fish were put in the pond, 
while in this condition, the insects would at once give chase and 
devour them. 

The little food these tiny fish require, during their first days of 
existence, is found in sufficient quantities in the new water. By the 
time their enemies make their appearance, especially those of the 
insect kind, the fish have grown too strong for them, and are very 
well able to look out for themselves. 

In transferring the young from the jar, to the rearing pond, it is 
much better to sink the jar and allow the fish to make their escape at 
will. This precaution enables them to gradually become accustomed 
to the change, thus avoiding a shock by the sudden emptying of the 
jar. 

In this manner the young are " planted" in the rearing ponds, 
at the rate of 250 to each pond, of 8x20 feet in size. Here they 
remain until they have acquired their coloring, and have grown 
large enough to be saleable. 

This may be variously from six weeks to four months, according 
to circumstances, and the care expended upon them. 



T02 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

FISH CULTURE IN THE PARLOR. 

Though the instructions detailed above were given with reference 
to cultivation in the open air, yet by following them the same thing 
can be done in the parlor, but on a small scale, and with limited 
resources. The writer has often delighted his customers by furnish- 
ing them with sprigs of water plants, upon which eggs were adherent. 
These they hatched in a glass tumbler, placed upon the window sill, 
gradually increasing the size of the vessel, and consequently the 
quantity of water as the young grew up, until they were finally ready 
for permanent residence in the aquarium. Such specimens are 
generally looked upon with great pride by their owners because they 
are home-bred and grew up in the midst of the household, where all 
could watch them and learn a bit of natural history without an effort. 
The spawn for this purpose can frequently be obtained from any 
well managed aquarium, if the habits of the goldfish are understood. 




Chapter XXII. 
CARE OF THE PONDS. 



It being the intention to raise goldfish for aquarium purposes, 
this final end must never be lost sight of, for with that end in view 
we direct all our efforts to make the net result in every way 
satisfactory. To that effect the water in which they are grown 
should have no current, neither must there be a continuous supply of 
fresh water from the outside. The natural habitation of the goldfish 
is standing water, and if they are cultivated in like conditions, they 
will the better be fitted for the life of confinement in the aquarium. 

It is only necessary to add water to the ponds now and then, 
just as the fluctuations of the season may dictate, and only in 
quantities sufficient to preserve a uniform height in the ponds. 
When additional water is required, it should be turned on from the 
supply drain, in the day time only, as one can then watch it better 
and keep out any extraneous matter that may happen to be in the 
drain. 

Under no circumstances should it be allowed to run in during the 
night, nor in the absence of a reliable person who could turn it off in 
time, in case a storm should come up. Any possible damage to the 
ponds can be prevented by keeping out the accumulated water 
during a heavy fall of rain. 

The supply drain should always be kept free from obstructions of 

any kind, and especially when a storm is approaching, it ought to be 

examined to see that it will quickly carry off the rainwater without 

interruption. 

103 



I04 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

The grass and weeds that grow along the edges of the dams are to 
be kept closely cut, for, if permitted to remain, they not only detract 
from the appearance of the establishment, but they afford excellent 
shelter for the numerous enemies that constantly threaten the fish. 
The ponds themselves require a daily examination, and anything 
found in them that is not wanted can be removed. Bits of cut 
grass or leaves from neighboring trees do not harm anything particu- 
larly, but they are liable to clog the outlet and cause the water 
(should a storm of rain arise) to rise to an undue height. 

Besides these, there will often be found insects, larvae, etc, which 
can be removed with a dip net, while other and larger enemies may 
appear that will require the services of a trap or the exterminating 
influence of fire-arms. 

When the fish have been taken out of the ponds in the fall 
(which is done by draining off the water, to be described elsewhere), 
the soft mud is removed from them with a hoe. This mud, when 
frozen thoroughly, will make a first-class compost for flower beds in 
the following spring. The wire guards from the inlets and outlets, 
together with the adjustable sections from the drain pipe, are taken 
into the house for safe keeping during the winter, the ponds being 
left in a dry state until again needed the succeeding spring. The 
frosts of winter will kill any remaining Vci.nin, purify and fertilize 
the soil of the bottom while the absence of water will offer no 
inducement to muskrats, whose advent v/ould greatly damage the 
dams. 

Any projected changes, alterations, improvements, or the con- 
struction of new ponds should be completed in the fall, so that 
everything will be in readiness for the spring ; then a late season that 
crowds spring-work in the fields and garden will be of little conse- 
quence, as the culturist is prepared to take advantage of the first 
coming of warmer weather. 



Chapter XXIII. 
FISHING THE PONDS. 



For the purpose of taking the fish from the ponds, the water in 
the latter is drained off. But before this is done two or more large- 
sized clean tin vessels are to be provided — tin buckets or wash-boilers 
will answer very well. Also two dip-nets must be obtained, the one 
with a handle about seven feet in length, the other a smaller hand" 
net. The storage ponds are then prepared for their final purpose, 
and when this is all correctly done, the movable sections at the out- 
let of the pond containing the fish are removed one at a time. 
When the water is sufficiently low, the fish are carefully taken out 
and at once put into j<?tte tin vessels, which have previously been 
partly filled with clear water, assorting the fish according to size, 
color, etc., at the same time. When this is completed, the fish are 
put into their respective quarters in the storage pond with as little 
delay as possible. It is also at this time that the breeder makes his 
selection of those fish he wishes to breed from; these ought at once 
to be put into the winter pond. 

During this fishing process it is impossible to avoid making the 
water muddy; so, to prevent the weakening of the fish; the supply 
drain is opened, allowing a constant stream of fresh water to flow 
through the pond. 



Io6 THE GOLBFiSK AND ITS CULTURE. 

Again the writer admonishes caution ; do the work gently and 
neatly, as every broken fin or lost scale reduces the value of the 
fish so injured, 

DOMESTICATING THE FISH. 

When in their respective ponds, it is not necessary to feed the 
goldfish, as nature provides them with all the food required for their 
proper growth and nourishment; but when removed to the storage 
ponds, additional food in small quantities may be given to them. 
This may consist of stale (but not moldy) white bread, dried in an 
oven or the open air, and crushed to resemble fine hominy or corn 
meal. Either of these, or both, in small quantities is strewn on the 
water; the fish being unaccustomed to it will eat but little at first, 
neither will they snap at it immediately. Gradually, however, they 
take kindly to it, and the quantity may be increased, keeping pace 
with the appetite they evince for it, giving it to them at a regular 
hour each day. 

This feeding is not intended for the purpose of making them 
grow, but rather to prepare them for the change of diet that will 
ensue when transferred to their future homes. 

When the fish take such food and thrive upon it, they may be 
considered domesticated, and can be disposed of as pets, they then 
being in condition to take readily to the more confined life in an 
aquarium. 

When performing work of any kind on or near the ponds, 
or other receptacle where fish are kept, or in feeding or hand- 
ling them, a patient and gentle manner is advisable, as it tends to 
tame the fish by giving them confidence. On the other hand, if 
they are frequently scared, they become of a wild, restless nature, 
and will dart away on the slightest provocation. 



Chapter XXIV. 
CARE OF FISH IN STORES. 



When fish are kept in tanks as merchandise by dealers, the loca- 
tion of such receptacle should be well lighted, airy, and not per- 
mitted to freeze. As was stated in another chapter, it is the oxygen 
contained in the water that the fish breathes, and it is therefore nec- 
essary to consider what means can be employed to keep up a contin- 
uous supply of it. One way, the most in use, although the worst for 
the retail customers, is to keep a stream of water constantly flowing 
through the tank. Now, this is wrong. Goldfish are intended to live 
in standing water, and should not be made accustomed to the con- 
trary, as the reversing again of the character of the water often 
proves fatal to them. 

The proper way to keep fish is in pure standing water, to which 
the necessary oxygen is supplied by the action of aquatic plants; 
these every dealer in fancy fish is compelled to keep on hand, if he 
understands the principles upon which the aquarium is managed, and 
if he wants to make the handling of fish a financial success. 

Aquatic plants, when in a healthy condition, exposed to the light, 
consume the carbon in the carbonic acid gas which is produced by 
the fish as refuse matter, and give off the oxygen, which in turn is 
appropriated by the fish. This answers the question as to how many 
fish can be kept in a certain tank, for it is easy to understand that a 
locality favorable for the growth of plants will produce the greatest 
amount of oxygen in the water. Large fish consume more oxygen 
than small ones, so the proportion of fish to the tank must not be 

greater than the supply of oxygen the tank can produce. Besides all 

107 



loS THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

this, a light location is more beneficial to the color of the fish, and 
also aff'ords a better control of the contents. Such a store-tank may 
consist of a large aquarium with glass sides, or it may be a wooden 
trough thirty (30) inches in width, ten (10) or twelve (12) inches in 
depth, and of any convenient length. The frame to form the sides 
and ends is made of one and one-half (i}4) inch stuff, the bottom 
being formed of flooring boards, as they are fitted with tongue and 
groove. To make a tight job, pieces of flag leaves, such as are used 
by coopers, are laid upon the edge of the frame, and the strips of 
flooring board nailed down securely, one at a time. The groove 
in each piece is thickly painted with pure white lead ground in oil, 
the tongue of the next then being tightly fitted into it, and so on, 
piece after piece, until the bottom has been completed. The best 
way, probably, is to nail the flooring crosswise upon the frame, as 
that makes the trough very strong and capable of carrying a con- 
siderable weight of water, the smooth side of the boards is of course 
turned towards the inside of the tank. 

Such a tank, however, when in operation should not contain a 
greater depth than six (6) inches of water, rather less probably, both 
for the convenience of catching the fish and the better admission of 
light. The trough must be kept clean, every now and then removing 
all the contents and thoroughly sponging the interior. 

This may appear to contradict the author's method of managing 
an aquarium ; it may be said in explanation that dealers' tanks are, r.s 
a rule, overstocked, and therefore require a somewhat different treat- 
ment; they are, in comparison with a regular aquarium, the same as 
a hotel is, compared with a private residence. 

While in the hands of the dealer the fish should receive a limited 
but regular supply of food, and should disease make its appearance, 
the sick fish are at once taken out and put by themselves. 




Pi atf_ X 



Chapter XXV, 



TRANSPORTATION OF FISH. 



The vessel best adapted for the shipment of live fish, to any- 
reasonable distance in this country, is a tin can, clad with wood. 

The shipping can should be perfectly smooth upon the inside, so 
that the fish will be subjected to the least percentage of injury while 
e?i route. At the upper end the can should taper off, forming a kind 
of neck or shoulder, similar to that seen 
upon the common coal-oil can. This makes 
it easy for the contents to slide out when 
the vessel is to be emptied. The opening at 
the top is five (5) inches in diameter, and 
closed with a perforated lid that is fitted in 
like the top to a milk can. The perforations 
consist of half a dozen one-half (i^) inch 
holes, punched through from the under side 
of the lid, thus leaving the sharp rim of the „, , , ^ 

' ° '■ The strong, metal guard 

boles on the outside where they can do no fastened to the lid is to 

prevent an accidental clos- 

injury to the fish within the vessel. (See ing of the air holes, 
illustration.) 

Those cans very extensively used in the coal oil trade, and usually 
designated "wooden jacket cans," are about the very best thing 
that could be invented for our purpose. 

As the Express Companies demand that tin vessels be protected in 

some manner or other with wood, we find in these vessels the 

109 




Shipping Can. 



no THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

fulfillment of all requirements of that nature, and at a slight increase 
in weight. Besides, these cans are readily obtained in the large 
cities, (and smaller ones, too, in all probability), the only necessity 
being the enlargement of the opening to make it a complete shipping 
can for fish. 

When it is desirable to make a shipment of live fish, it is 
necessary to take into consideration their size, the length of time 
they will be upon the road, and the season of the year in which they 
are transported, all with reference to the all-important supply of 
oxygen, without which, of course, the fish cannot live. 

The shipping can is filled with pure water, to four-fifths (4-5) of 
its capaciiy only, thus providing ample space for the water to splash 
about during the journey, as it is by this constant motion of the 
water in the vessel that it is aerated and made capable of supplying 
the fish with oxygen. 

The hour of shipping ought, if possible, to be so arranged that 
the journey on the road may be made at night, as it is cooler in the 
summer, does not expose the fish to the great heat of sunlight and 
the arrival is made usually sometime in the morning or forenoon 
when those at the destination are on hand to receive them. The 
cans must be plainly labeled, stating the nature of their contents, so 
that they may receive more care in the handling from the express 
agents, consequently running less risk of damage. It is also 
advisable to notify the party to whom the fish are sent that the 
shipment has been made, in order that he may take them from the 
agent as soon as possible, otherwise, if they are left to remain quiet 
at the express office or freight depot, the fish will be in great danger 
of their lives from want of proper care. 

If the shipping can is an ordinary small tin bucket, such as are 
on sale at the tinsmith's, the ventilating holes would better be 
punched in the center of the lid, the remainder being left unmolested, 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. Uj 

forming a shoulder against which the water can splash without being 
spilled. In all cases the lid must be securely fastened with strong 
twine or wire, so that ajar will not displace it. 

The above directions apply more especially to shipments that do 
not occupy any great length of time in the transit. 

If the fish are to be sent great distances over our own country or 
exported to foreign parts, the safest plan is to put them in a vessel 
fitted up like a regular aquarium. Japanese goldfish have been sent 
to Europe with perfect success in the following manner : 

A one-gallon candy-jar, (such as are used for hatching spawn) is 
fitted up in proper style, with sand, water-plants, snails and tadpoles, 
and filled nearly to the top with pure water. In this may be placed 
four two inch fish, the top then covered with a perforated tin lid, 
and the whole set aside for observation for about a week. Dur- 
ing this time a tin bucket is obtained of such a size that the entire 
candy-jar aquarium will nicely fit into it, the top of the jar being 
neither higher nor lower than the upper edge of the bucket. This 
tin bucket, or sheath, if you will, serves as a perfect guard against 
breakage, and should any accident occur to the jar, the bucket is on 
hand to act as a substitute. Furthermore the tin is provided with a 
convenient handle to carry it by, and for greater security the jar can 
be retained in its place with a heavy wire bar across the top, so 
adjusted that it can be removed at will. 

On board the ocean steamer, the buckets are suspended by the 
handles, the water is not changed, neither are the fish fed anything. 

As will be seen, the uncovered shoulder of the jar will admit 
plenty of light, so that the plants can act on the water and keep it 
fresh, neither can the water in the jar be lost by splashing out, as 
when this does happen, it merely falls into the bucket, from whence 
it can be returned; the perforated lid admits the air, but at the same 
time prevents the accidental escape of the fish. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



This description of a trans-Atlantic shipping can is not at all 
expensive, and is further recommended by its reliability. Make it a 
rule, however, to ship only such fish as are in perfect health and 
fully domesticated. 

While on the road the water in the can should be changed only 
in exceptional cases, and then with great care. If the fish become 
weak it is a sign that they are not in good condition, and that a 
mistake has been made in preparing them for travel, and the simple 
changing of the water then will not prevent their dying. The rule 
is, do not crowd the shipping cans. 

When, upon the arrival of a lot of fish, there happen to be any 
dead ones in the vessel, and the balance weak or in a dying con- 
dition, or look slimy and pale, with bloody streaks on the fins or 
around the scales, it is a sure sign that suffocation has been the cause 
of the death of some, and will speedily cause that of the others. 
The living ones should at once be placed in a large vessel in the 
open air, filled with fresh water, to which a good handful of common 
table-salt is added. A clean wash-tub answers the purpose nicely, 
and besides, has the merit of usually being close at hand. 

This treatment, if resorted to immediately, will, in most cases, 
restore the fish to good health. 




PART V. 



Enemies and Diseases of the Goldfish. 
Requisites, Tools, Etc. 



Chapter XXVI. 

" Knowledge is power. 

THE ENEMIES OF THE GOLDFISH 



It has been stated elsewhere in these pages that the raising of 
goldfish consists largely in the protection of them against their 
enemies, and to make the defense most effective it is essential that 
we know something about the transgressors, for by being acquainted 
with them and their habits, we can more intelligently combat them. 
For this end the author has described them in the following lines, 
adding to those that are less familiar to the general reader, an outline 
of their natural history and viewing them in the successive stages, 
during which they endanger the life of the fish. 

Before beginning the description of insects, however, it is proper 
to say that the spawn of the goldfish immediately after its deposition, 
is sought for by other fish and devoured, the spawners themselves 
also engaging in this nefarious practice. Those eggs that have 
escaped the notice of the fish are consumed by various smaller 
enemies, foremost among which is 

THE COMMON POND SNAII^, 

(Lymnea fragilis.) 
which devours them. 

THE WATER ASELL. 

(Asellus aquaticus.) 
This little creature, of which the accompanying illustration gives a 

good idea, is a crustacean, not more than one-half of an inch 

113 



114 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

in length. It crawls about upon the bottom of the ponds and over 
the water plants, searching for food, part of which consists of fish 
eggs, to which they are very destructive, devouring them wherever 
found. 

Another voracious enemy of the crustacean tribe is 

THE WATER FLEA 

(Gamarus pulex.) 
or Flea Crab, Buck Crab, etc. This lively little creature is closely 
related to the shrimp found in the ocean. It furrows through the 




The Water Flea {enlarged). The Water Asell [enlarged). 

water in any direction lying on its side, because its back is naturally 
bent. (See illustration.) In all stages of its growth it feeds upon 
the fish eggs, but in turn, furnishes an excellent food for young fish. 

THE BOAT FLY 

(Notonecta glauca,) 
or "Shoemaker," as it is commonly called, is a most voracious 
insect. The body is long, contracted posteriorly, convex above 
and flat below, having hair at the sides and extremities, which, 
when spread out, supports the insect upon the water. The 
head is large and presents a large eye upon each side, giving 
the possessor the power of vision in all directions. The color 
of the body is a greenish grey, the wings are white, of the legs, 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. II5 

the four nearest the head are short, but the third pair are very 
long, different in shape from the others, very much resembling 
boat oars. When in the water, the insect swims upon its 
back, using the hind legs as oars for propulsion, while the front ones 
are instrumental in seizing its prey. Young fish, tad-poles, and 
also insects, all contribute to supply it with food, to the former, 
especially, it is a very dangerous enemy. The instrument or weapon 
with which the insect makes the attack upon the victim is a strong, 
conical beak. 

It is believed that when making the attack, the boat-fly injects 
poison into the wound it makes, as seems to be proven by the fact 





The Boat Fly. Larva of Dragon Fly. 

that when once attacked, though subsequently escaping, the victim 
always dies in a short time. When upon land, this fly crawls along, 
in an upright position, dragging its oars behind it. In the evening, 
and at night, it likes to leave the water and make excursions to 
other ponds or creeks ; from this habit the culturist may take 
warning. Its eggs are deposited against the stems of aquatic plants 
in the early spring, and again in mid-summer, so that one season 
produces two crops of them. 

The young make their appearance soon after, immediately 
following the example of the parents by swimming upon the back 
and eating almost anything they happen to meet. The accompany- 



Ii6 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



ing illustration shows the insect as seen from below when in the 
water. 

There are two or more varieties of this fly that differ in coloring, 
and of smaller size than the one described, though all are extremely 
destructive to the young fish — the one just delineated, more 
especially. 

THE YELLOW-BANDED WATER BEETLE. 

(Dytiscus marginalis.) 
This rather pretty beetle, lives entirely below the surface of the 
water, never leaving it, except during the night when the air is 





Yellow-Banded Water Beetle and its Larva. 
damp or in rainy weather, and then for the purpose of making 
excursions to other localities. The body is of a greenish black 
color, encircled with a brownish yellow band- — this feature giving 
it its name. When taken from the water it exudes a milky fluid of 
a most offensive and disgusting odor. The hind legs are shaped 
very much like those of the boat-fly, and serve the same purpose. 
This beetle is very courageous, attacking fish of any size, as large 
ones have been caught, into whose flesh the beetle had eaten large 
holes, the beetle itself found in the hole hard at work eating up the 
fish. The larva, which is produced twice within the same season, 
lives and grows upon tadpoles and young fish. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. II7 

When of sufficient size, and the proper time has arrived, it 
changes into a pupa, which in turn, becomes the perfect beetle. (See 
illustration.) 

THE BLACK WATER BEETLE. 
(Hydrophyllus piceus.) 
As the name indicates, this beetle is black, shining with a rich, 
purple lustre. (See illustration.) It is of larger size than the preced- 
ing, and strong in proportion. 




The Black Water Beetle. 

The beetle itself is a vegetarian, and as such, is not directly 
dangerous to the fish, its larva, however, is voracious without limit, 
destroying all that comes in its way. 

The female of this species spins a white cocoon around the 
posterior portion of its body, with the aid of its hind legs, the cocoon, 
when completed, being the size of a hazel nut. Li this it deposits 
its eggs, and after closing it carefully, fastens it to a floating leaf, 
adding to it a little projecting point on the top, which by the 
way resembles a small mast, retires to the water underneath and 
mounts guard. After . a few days the young grubs make their 
appearance, at first resembling little whitish worms, but possessing 
six legs near the yellow head. 

It is by the motion of these legs that the grub is propelled through 
the water, continually on the search for something to eat. When at 



llS THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

rest on a water-plant, the head with its fearful apparatus, formed of 
a strong pincher with two pairs of adjuncts, which can be moved in 
any direction, is placed in such a deceiving position as to almost 
always lure an unsuspecting little fish, tad pole or insect, within its 
reach. 

As the grub gets larger, it turns darker in color, until having attained 
a size of about four inches in length, it has become nearly black 
on the back; the under part is then of a creamy white, and the sides 
have been fringed with hair. In this state its appearance is extremely 
repulsive, being about as ugly as anything can be imagined. The 
earliest and best time to destroy them is when the cocoon has been 
finished, and the female is standing guard in the water beneath, both 
can then be captured and obliterated, in this way great damage is 
prevented before there has been an opportunity for development; 
very much on the principle of the old proverb : "A stitch in time 
saves nine. " 

The grubs breathe through the posterior part of the body, and 
have to come to the surface occasionally for that purpose, at which 
time they are easily caught with a dip-net. 

In general appearance, the color excepted, the grub of the black 
water-beetle resembles that of the preceding. 

The beetle, moreover, is very prolific, spinning several cocoons 
at two different periods, namely, in the spring and high summer. 

Other varieties of this insect exist, the one under discussion being 
the most dangerous to the fish. So far as the others are concerned, 
it is sufficient to remember the injunction, allow nothing alive to 
remain in the company of the fish when newly hatched. 

THE DRAGON FLIES. 

The dragon flies (commonly known as snake-feeders) may be 
divided into three classes, all very destructive enemies of the fish. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. II9 

1. The LibeUula possesses a short, flat body, about two inches 
in length. (See ilkistration). 

2. The Acshma is longer than the above, its slender, round 
body sometimes measuring six inches in length. 

3. The Agrion is not large, the body small and slender, varying 
in length from xy^, to 2J2 inches. 

The wings of the first two named, are, when the insect is at rest, 
always expanded horizontally, while those of the latter are folded 
together, pointing backward. 




The Drawon Fly. 

The hind part of the body in all of them is long, slender, and 
composed of ten rings. On the forepart of the body, they have 
three pairs of legs, and two pairs of transparent, webbed wings, the 
latter in some species glitter like gold, in others they are dotted with 
spots of different color; in the Agrion species they are of the same 
color as the body. The coloring of the bodies of all, especially the 
geshma, is very brilliant, being of a bright green, blue or scarlet, 
and sometimes mottled and spotted with various colors. 

The eyes are large and prominent, giving the insects a very large 
field of vision. 



I20 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

They all fiy very rapidly, feed upon insects of every description 
that they catch flying about, and from this fact they may be made 
useful to destroy the mosquitoes in bedrooms and elsewhere. Al- 
though very voracious, they are perfectly harmless to man — they 
can not injure him in any way. The manner of their copulation is 
somewhat curious. The male fastens the extreme back part of its 
body to the neck of the female, and thus attached, both fly about for 
one or two hours, when, over some water, they separate. The 
female then deposits her small white eggs by immersing the posterior 
part of the body in the water, attaching them to the submerged 
surfaces of water-plants; there they remain until hatched. 

The larvae or grubs of the dragon-flies live in the water ; those 
of the libellula are short and thick, while those of the other genera 
are more slender, corresponding with the shape of the adult. The 
color of these grubs varies from blackish-brown to a brilliant green. 
They breathe through the posterior part of the body, which apparatus 
is also used to propel them forwards through the water, making them 
good swimmers. 

They are extremely destructive to young fish and fish-eggs, upon 
which, together with tadpoles and snails, they manage to make a 
good living. Instead of hunting their victims, they lay concealed in 
the mud with the eyes only protruding from the surface. Whenever 
a victim comes within reach, they produce their concealed pincers 
by a rapid motion, rarely missing the mark they aim at. (See 
illustration.) 

There are instances on record where one of the larvae of the 
libellulse, which was overlooked in the fish-tank, destroyed two 
thousand (2,000) young fish in a week's time. 

After they have attained their full growth, the grubs leave the 
water, climb upon some object projecting from it, when the perfect 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



fly makes its appearance through the back of the grub, rising upon 
its wings into the air as soon as they are unfolded and dry. 

The eggs are also produced twice in a season, the grubs from the 
last deposit, living in the mud during the winter, and produce in the 
early spring the first dragon flies of the season. 

Their natural enemies are the frog and the water-spider. The 
latter, small as it is, compared with their own size, is, nevertheless a 
powerful antagonist, attacking them when in the act of depositing 
their eggs. The attack is made upon the eye, the largest dragon-flv 
thus being easily overpowered by its small but intelligent enemy. 

How strange it is that just those animals with which man has the 
least sympathy are among his best friends ! Such are the toad and 
the spider ! 




Chapter XXVII. 

THE CRAY OR CRAW-FISH 

(Astacus fluviatilis) 

Is also known as the fresh-water lobster, and should be killed 
whenever and wherever met, as it is very destructive to the eggs of 
fishes. 

It will also occasionally catch a young fish, and often injure 
others by snapping at them, tearing away parts of the fins and flesh, 
thus rendering a beautiful and valuable fish wholly valueless as 
merchandise. 

The main damage done by the craw-fish, however, is the under- 
mining of the dams, which is not only annoying and costs much time 
and labor for repairs, but makes it possible for the fish in the several 
ponds to get mixed by passing from one to the other. 

THE WATER-FROGS 

(Ranae var. ) 
As the heading indicates, there is a recognized distinction between 
frogs, there being water-frogs, tree and grass frogs, the latter in no 
ways molesting the fish in the ponds, in reality on the contrary, 
making themselves very useful to the culturist by destroying harm- 
ful insects. The common frog is the one we have to guard against, 
both itself and all its varieties, whose destructive habits far outweigh 
the little benefit derived from them. Just as soon as they have 
completed their gradual metamorphosis, and become perfect frogs, 
they prey upon anything that has life, including young ducks, turtles, 
snakes and cray-fish, as well as fish. Besides this, the adult deposits 




Plate XI. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 123 

its spawn in the ponds, and when the tad-poles are hatched, they 
consume a great per centage of the natural food found in the pond, 
thus depriving the young fish of proper nourishment, in this way 
being indirectly injurious. 

The frogs are furthermore dangerous, through their habit of 
wandering in the night from one locality to another, during their 
spawning season, and thus often unconsciously introduce into the 
ponds, the spawn of minnows, which being adhesive, sticks to the 
skin of the frog, and is, of course, carried about by it. 

The frogs make their appearance early in the spring, and it is at 
that time that they can be most effectually destroyed in the following 
manner : water is let into one of the ponds, to the height of several 
inches, in this pond they will collect at night, in order to deposit 
their spawn. Next morning, most of the frogs themselves can be 
caught with a dip-net, and the spawn also removed and exposed to 
the sun to dry up, by merely placing it upon the ground, where the 
sun can reach it. If this process is systematically carried out, during 
their spawning season, not many frogs will trouble the establishment 
during the season. When it appears that all are captured, the pond 
is drained off, so that any tad-poles that might have been hatched in 
it will die by being dried up in the sun. 

In destroying the frogs the culturist must be careful not to 
mistake the common American toad (Buffo americanus) for the frog, 
as this innocent creature is worthy of our protection. They may 
very easily be distinguished by their color, which is brownish and 
yellow, the skin moreover being warty. Their eggs also differ from 
those of the frog by the manner in which they are joined together; 
those of the frog are found in one compact mass, a lump, in other 
words ; those of the toad, in strings ; the eggs of tree and grass frogs 
in sheets. If the amateur will bear these distinctions in mind he will 
have no trouble ridding himself of a pest and preserving a friend. 



124 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

It will pay to remove the toad-spawn carefully, and put it into a 
pond where it can hatch unmolested, which is completed in June or 

Toads in the neighborhood of ponds and gardens are a blessing, 
and should not, therefore, needlessly be exterminated. 

One of the natural enemies of the frog is the water-spider, which 
attacks the young in the eye and kills it. Although the water-spider 
has been repeatedly mentioned as a friend, it is not out of place to 
keep an eye on him, as he also frequently catches young fish. 

SALAMANDERS AND NEWTS. 

All the varieties of those tailed batrachians frequent the water in 
the spring, for the purpose of depositing their eggs or young — some 
being viviparous. In all the stages of their growth, from the tad- 
pole state to the perfect animal, these creatures are destructive to 
both the fish eggs and the young fish, they should therefore be kept 
out of the ponds. 

The newts spend their entire life in the water. In certain 
localities they may exist in such vast numbers that it is necessary to 
take especial precaution to keep them away. 

Neither of these creatures, however, is harmful to man, the larger 
varieties living in the river, such as the water-dog and the hell-bender, 
excepted, nor are any of them poisonous. 

They may, with perfect safety, be handled with the bare hand. 

As the season advances various other enemies, in addition to those 
already mentioned, make their appearance. Most particularly must 
a sharp lookout be kept for 

WATER SNAKES. 

These will be found concealed near the water's edge, or in the 
corners of the several ponds. They lie hidden from view, the head 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 12? 

only exposed, all the while playing the tongue in the water. This 
they do to allure their prey within reach, the fish mistaking it for a 
worm rush to their certain destruction. 

The best means of exterminating them is by the use of some kind 
of fire-arm. A smooth bore, 22 caliber Flobert gun, loaded with a 
cartridge containing shot, and a good marksman at the proper end of 
it, generally makes a combination that forever prevents that snake 
from exercising his fishing propensities. 

If young snakes are about, they may easily be discovered by placing 
pieces of board here and there about the ponds; these boards are 
lifted up in the morning, often revealing two or three of the little 
snakes that had sought shelter there, when thus found they are easily 
despatched. 

A good snake trap was accidentally discovered as follows : 

A wire coop made of yi inch mesh galvanized iron wire netting, 
served as the dwelling of a couple of muskrats, which the children 
kept as pets. These having died, the coop was used to confine live 
frogs, and kept outside of the establishment in the water, just at the 
point it leaves the ponds. 

The next morning a large water snake was found caught in the 
meshes of the wire, and dead. 

It had evidently tried to get into the coop, and help itself to a frog 
or two, and was thus caught, the wire preventing the entrance of the 
entire body, the scales of the reptile at the same time precluding 
the possibility of retreat. Since then this trap, and smaller ones, 
have been used with very good results, and being simple they are 
easily made. 

Following the snakes, and at the time the ponds are filled with 
water, one must be on the watch for fish-eating birds, among which 
are 



126 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

CRANES AND HERONS, 
which, seeing the surface of the water below whilst flying above, are 
attracted by the glisten, and immediately descend to reconnoitre. 
These birds visit the ponds at regular hours, wade in the water and 
catch with consummate skill all the fish they can get. The fact that 
their stomachs are sometimes found to contain nothing else than 
crayfish must not mislead the amateur into the belief that they prey 
only on these crustaceans, as the following fact abundantly proves 
that they prefer fish whenever they can be obtained. A heron was 
seen flying towards the ponds; to secure the ever-ready shotgun 
from the lodge, sneak within range and fire, did not take more than 
five minutes' time. Yet within that short interval, the bird had cap- 
tured and devoured three 2^-inch long, brilliantly colored goldfish, 
which, though already dead when taken out of the bird's stomach, 
were still perfectly bright, showing conclusively that they had just 
been swallowed. 

If these birds discover that fishing in the ponds pays well, they 
will become frequent visitors, and, if not killed, soon clean out the 
establishment. But, as before stated, they come at regular hours, 
thus affording the one on duty at the ponds an easy chance to be on 
the watch to kill or trap them. 

THE KINGFISHER. 

This bird may likewise be expected to visit the ponds, but it gen- 
erally advertises its arrival with a lusty kar-r-r-r-r-ack I that may be 
heard quite a distance. 

It selects projections over the water, such as a branch of a tree, 
a post, or the outlet pipe of the ponds, from whence it shoots down 
upon the unsuspecting fish, seldom missing. It also supports itself 
upon its wings immediately over the water, darting down upon its 
prey with like success. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 127 

These birds, although not so easily shot as the crane or 
heron, may readily be caught in a trap, if the latter is some- 
what concealed and laid on the post or outlet pipe, which the 
birds mostly frequent. 

TURTLES AND ALLIGATORS. 

These reptiles are both extremely destructive ; the latter, of 

course, not being found in the Northern States, need not be 

looked for in that locality. Neither of them, no matter how 

small, should be permitted to remain in or near the ponds. 

THE MUSKRAT. 

Not only do these animals destroy the dams of the ponds, 
but they will also destroy the entire stock of fish, if not 
stopped in time. Luckily for the fish-culturist, they are easily 
mastered. One or two muskrat traps of the old fashioned 
style (Hawley & Norton's No. i), used by professional trap- 
pers in the Far West, can be procured at almost any hard- 
ware store for thirty cents apiece, the chain included. The 
muskrat holes are looked for and will be found leading into 
the bank and a little below the surface of the water. At a 
short distance from such a hole (the length of the chain on 
the trap), a peg is driven securely into the ground, and the 
free end of the chain fastened to it. The trap is then set 
without bait, and laid a little to one side immediately into the 
hole, in such a manner that the animal in going in or out 
is obliged to tread upon the plate that springs the trap and 
over one or the other end^ thus it is always caught by one 
of its legs. 

If the trap is placed at right angles with the hole, so that 
the animal has to walk over the bows, these latter, in coming 
together, will throw the rat upwards, and fail to catch it. 



128 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

It is advisable also to catch the muskrats in the surround- 
ing neighborhood of the ponds, as they make excursions dur- 
ing the night to the ponds in order to fish. 

This long list of enemies may be increased by adding the 
raccoon, the mink, a'nd water-fowls such as ducks, geese, and 
swans. 

In stores where fish are kept in tanks they must be watched 
and protected from house-rats and cats, both of which will 
occasionally make a descent upon the tanks if not prevented. 



U/ 



Chapter XXVIII. 
THE DISEASES OF THE GOLDFISH. 



The goldfish, when in perfect health, carries the dorsal fin 
in an erect position, in other words, fully expanded. Its colors 
are very distinct, the body of the fish glistening as though 
highly polished. The fins appear very clear, translucent, allow- 
ing an examination of their structure, they are also very flex- 
ible, moving in the water with animation and grace. When 
closed by the fish, the gill covers fit tightly against the head. 

Liveliness is not always an indication of good health, and, 
on the contrary, sluggishness is no positive evidence that the 
fish is ill. 

But when the brilliant red color fades away into an off- 
colored pink, or the milky-white portions of the body become 
intermixed with bloody streaks, or the fins of the fish appear 
to be coated with something unusual, or seem inflamed and 
stick together, or are carried close to the body, or when the 
gill covers appear so swollen that they will not fit tightly in 
their proper place, then the health of the fish has failed, and 
danger is close at hand. 

Most of the diseases of the goldfish are the direct result 

of ill-treatment while kept in captivity, and nearly always 

originate in the breathing apparatus ; the gills, when affected, 

fail to supply the blood with oxygen. Some of the diseases, 

129 



I30 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

to which the fish are subject, orighiate from improper meth- 
ods of feeding, and always manifest themselves in disturb- 
ances of the stomach, and other digestive organs. 

Again there are diseases that make their appearance peri- 
odically, the origin of which is involved in as much obscurity 
as that called *' pink-eye," which attacks horses, and of which 
all have heard more or less. 

ASPHYXIA. 

This affection is the most commonly met with. The fish 
become weak, the colors fade away rapidly, the appetite is 
lost and the fish finally die if the disease is permitted to 
run its course without hinderance. 

The cause of the disease may be looked for in the inter- 
rupted functions of the gills. These organs become inflamed 
by the irritating and poisonous gases that may exist in the 
water, or by the sudden changes of temperature in the same. 

If the disease has not already advanced too far, the ailing 
individual or individuals should be taken from the collection, 
placed in a vessel containing a sufficient quantity of water, 
and in which a number of flourishing aquatic plants are 
growing. 

An even teaspoonful of common salt is then dissolved in 
the water, the whole then put in a light, well ventilated place, 
and kept at a temperature between 70° and 80° F. During 
the first few days no food is necessary, and should not be 
given, after which the feeding may be re-commenced, begin- 
ning with very small quantities, administered at a regular 
hour each day. As the fish brighten up, and approach con- 
valescence, the quantity may gradually be brought up to the 
usual amount. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. I3I 

TUBERCULOSIS OR CONSUMPTION. 

The first sign of the presence of this disease shows itself 
in the indifference manifested by the affected individual. 
They are seen swimming about in a careless, purposeless way, 
now and then stopping to make the vain attempt to remove 
something from their gills that annoys them. They are appar- 
ently coughing. Their appetite decreases. It is evident that 
the gills are out of order, they thus failing to take up oxygen 
for the blood. 

As the disease progresses, the fish beconjes lean, as seen 
back of the head, on the back, and the sinking in the abdo- 
men, causing the head to appear too large and out of pro- 
portion. The gills become agglutinated which results in the 
destruction of their structure by decay. Having arrived at 
this stage the fish is too weak to balance itself and swims 
head downward, finally standing on it, because it is the heaviest 
part of its body, and dies in that position. 

The duration of this disease varies in different individuals 
and seasons, it being of shorter duration during cold weather. 

The origin of this disease may be traced back to tinnat- 
ural treatment while in captivity, as fish in native waters never 
get it, and in well managed aquaria they very seldom have 
it, while in those badly managed they frequently die of this 
disease. The cause of the disease arises from invisible or- 
ganisms called tubercular baccillce, these being inhaled by a fish 
whose breathing apparatus is in the least out of order, infest 
these organs and destroy them. 

The disease proves fatal in all cases, or has invariably 
done so in the writer's experience, who has so far failed to 
discover an effective remedy. The disease may be avoided 
by keeping the aquarium in perfect condition. 



132 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

SLIME OR ITCH. 

This disease generally appears during the colder season of 
the year, seldom manifesting itself when the weather is warm 
or hot. 

The body of the fish becomes coated with a layer of some 
whitish substance, the deposit beginning on the back near 
the head. 

This white, slimy substance, when examined under a pow- 
erful microscope, reveals a number of parasites darting about 
hither and thither across the field of the instrument. These 
minute organic bodies, technically termed bacterice, resemble a 
wood-tick in general shape. They appear to eat into the skin 
of the fish, destroying that structure, and in consequence in- 
terfere very much with the function the skin performs in 
throwing out poisonous substances that form in the tissues 
inside. The beautiful colors of the fish disapear from the 
tainted parts, they becoming quite black. The result of the 
disease is the death of the fish. 

When afflicted with the trouble, the fish can be observed 
rubbing itself against the plants, the rocks, or in the sand 
upon the bottom of the aquarium. 

The cause of the disease may be found in the usual over- 
feeding, in which case the remnants of food remain in the 
water until decomposition sets in. The temperature not being 
favorable for the production of water-purifying insects, the 
bactericz make their appearance greatly to the detriment of 
the fish. 

The name " slime " has heretofore been applied to this 
description of disease, but without any apparent reference to 
the cause producing the trouble. In the author's opinion, it 
is the presence of the parasites that makes the whole diffi- 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. I33 

culty. They annoy the fish by their presence, their attacks 
upon its skin setting up an increased flow of blood to the 
part upon which the thick coat of slime is found. Mani- 
festly the best method of treating the disease is the removal, 
or rather the prevention, of the cause, for if the bacterid are 
not allowed to develop, they of course can do no harm. 

Tadpoles and snails should be put into the aquarium to 
consume any remaining articles of food, and the feeding it- 
self more carefully attended to. Place the aquarium in a warm 
and light location, adding to the water a pinch of table-salt 
when filling the vessel. 

DROPSY. 

Dropsy, as every one knows, is a swelling up of the body, 
caused by the presence of watery fluid in the tissues, so it is 
with fish when affected in this way. 

It generally begins near the tail, but sometimes about the 
middle of the body and progresses forward. When it first 
makes its appearance, a few scales in a circle around the body 
lose their firm attachment, at this stage, if the affected speci- 
mens are immediately removed and placed into water brought 
from some other locality than that in which they had been 
when taken ill, they will recover in a short time. 

The disease having started, will, if not immediately attend- 
ed to, spread over the entire body until it becomes almost 
spherical, so great is the distention of the skin. The scales 
become erect, giving the fish the appearance of a " ruffed 
grouse," the eyes at the same time being greatly protruded 
from their sockets. 

During all this while the fish shows a good appetite, and 
continues to do so until the end, which soon follows. 



134 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 

No cause, as yet, has been found producing the disease ; 
it appears upon fish in Europe, as well as in this country, 
and also upon fish kept in open air ponds, as well as those 
inhabiting the aquarium, and in any season of the year, and 
at any age of the goldfish. 

The disease may run a course of four months, at the end 
of which time it results in the death of the fish. It also 
seems to be intermittent in character, disappearing for sev- 
eral weeks, and returning again upon the same individual, 
but always in such cases with fatal effect. 

There seems to be no other treatment than making the fish 
as comfortable as possible, taking that chance for recovery. 

ERYSIPELAS. 

This disease is indicated by what appears to be a nervous 
restlessness of the fish. They are seen swimming with very 
quick motions, darting here and there with great rapidity, 
and with no other apparent reason than a desire to flee from 
their torment, for it seems that they suffer from muscular 
pains. After this extreme activity which covers a period of 
several days, the fishes (for they all become affected at the 
same time) huddle together on the bottom of the tank, now 
and then resuming their mad capers. 

The external appearance in this case is characterized by 
a closed dorsal fin, bloody streaks upon all of the fins, which, 
moreover, instead of being nicely rounded upon their extrem- 
ities, as in health, become agglutinated and appear like the 
spikes upon a catfish. The tissue between the spines decays, 
the latter looking like the disarranged bristles on a brush ; 
this is the beginning of the end. 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. I35 

The appetite continues in good condition, the fish never- 
theless, become lean and weaker each succeeding day until 
death takes place. 

The cause of the disease, also, can be traced to improper 
methods of feeding, the stomach in consequence becoming 
overtaxed and the entire system disarranged. 

When it does appear, all the fishes are attacked at the 
same time ; the aquarium then should be placed where it 
will be exposed to the sunlight, the temperature of the lo- 
cality being kept at about 70° F., and no food administered 
for about a month. Snails and tadpoles should not be omit- 
ted when stocking the hospital tank, as they are excellent 
scavengers, and by their presence will prevent a complication 
of diseases. 

The diseases described above constitute the main ones we 
have to expect, and, with the exception of dropsy and tuber- 
culosis, are easily managed, if the treatment is carried out 
properly. 

ACCIDENTS. 

According to the old saying, " accidents happen in the 
best regulated families," so will they happen to goldfish. In 
most cases, nature, if left alone, will repair damages with sur- 
prising skill, though a little assistance often helps to secure 
a desirable result. Scales that have been knocked off will be 
replaced, just as a finger-nail is when bruised. 

Injured fins grow again, but the form afterwards does not 
always assume perfection. 

If an eye has been torn out, it will not necessarily kill 
the fish, as in most cases it heals kindly, and indeed might 
(for appearance sake) be replaced by an artificial substitute, 
such as are in use by the taxidermist. 



136 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



When we wish to assist nature to heal a wound, we must 
bear in mind that a warm temperature is most favorable for 
that purpose, and is also not favorable for the growth of 
fungi, which would certainly collect on the wound and reduce 
the chances of complete recovery. As an additional guard 
against the formation of fungus, table-salt, in quantities men- 
tioned above in treating asphyxia, is good, as also is a solu- 
tion of carbolic acid, five drops to the gallon of water. 

We conclude this description of the various diseases with 
the homely phrase, " an ounce of prevention is worth a pound 
of cure," so bearing that in mind, one will see to it that 
his aquaria and ponds do not suffer from neglect, as that always 
tells upon the fish. 




Chapter XXIX. 
REQUISITES AND TOOLS. 



Not many of these are necessary for the raising of gold- 
fish. In addition to the ordinary gardening tools used in con- 
structing and repairing the ponds, four sizes of dip-nets should 
be kept near at hand. 

ist. A large one, consisting of a heavy iron wire ring, 
about the thickness of a lead-pencil, and measuring about fif- 
ten inches in diameter. This ring is securely fastened to a 
hickory pole seven feet in length, and covered with heavy 
mosquito netting, the bag to be about twelve inches deep. 

2d. A medium-sized dip-net of oval shape, measuring 
six inches by ten inches through the center. This is best 
made of No. lo brass wire, fastened to a handle four feet 
in length, and covered with finer mosquito netting, forming 
a shallow bag similar to the bowl of a spoon. This net is 
used to remove insects and small fish from the water. 

3d. A hand-net of the same size and material as No. 2, 
with this difference, that the handle may be made of the 
same wire that forms the frame. 

4th. A small dip-net, also made of brass wire. No. 16 or 
17, in this case of sufficiently small size to use in removing 
fish or insects from the hatching jars. 

Several one-gallon candy-jars for hatching the eggs ; several 
tin-buckets of different sizes, for carrying and removing fish ; 

137 



138 



THF GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



a yard or two of mosquito netting ; some wire netting of 
the same mesh as that used in the guards on the outlets ; 
a thermometer, a couple of muskrat traps, if needed, and a 
gun to dispose of snakes, birds, etc., complete the outfit that 
is necessary for the proper performance of the work in hand. 




European Water Lily ^Nympkcea ulba). 



Chapter XXX. 
PROFITABLENESS OF GOLDFISH PONDS. 



The question will naturally arise in the mind of the reader, 
should he have any desire to engage in the culture of the 
goldfish, **Will it pay?" "Are the profits accruing sufficient 
remuneration for the time and labor expended, to say nothing 
of the capital invested?" To these questions the best an- 
swer is the book upon which the author has expended so 
much time, for he is certain that the proper cultivation of 
the goldfish will pay, though there are some considerations, 
the absence or presence of which somewhat determine the 
result. If looked at from a business point of view solely, 
it wholly depends upon the local demand for them, though 
more especially upon the class of customers one is expected 
to supply. In some places the finer qualities and varieties 
pay best, as the demand for them comes from a source that 
is both discriminating and critical, at the same time willing 
to pay for the very finest that can be had. Such a market 
is usually found in the larger cities where the wealthy classes 
generally reside, and it is from among them that the culturist 
may expect to find a ready and remunerative run of custom. 
In other places the demand is for quantity not so much 
care being taken whether the varieties are the best or not ; 
for instance, a gentleman wishes to stock a lake upon his 
premises or in his garden with ornamental fish, he does not 

139 



140 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



care especially to invest his money in a few choice varieties, 
but would rather have a greater number of a less desirable 
kind in order that the lake or pond may contain them in 
plenty, so that they can always be seen, no matter from 
what point. 

The percentage of young grown to perfection from a given 
number of eggs depends altogether upon the attention paid 
to them, the locality in which they are raised, the season in 
which they are bred, and the variety to which they belong. 
The number of saleable fish may thus be but ten, or it may 
be eighty-five, realized out of one hundred eggs. The rules 
governing the productiveness of ponds are much the same as 
those that govern the crops raised from the soil. 

There is this difference, however, the raising of goldfish 
is confined almost exclusively to the nicest season of the 
year, and makes it a highly interesting out-door recreation, 
and one that can be begun on the most humble scale at triflng 
expense, besides being an occupation that any lady or gentle- 
man can indulge in with perfect propriety. 



^Ii^yy^^yyi, 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



141 




pjT-.,. 



142 



THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



CoiTi.&oldti^U 




THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



143 



TVje/vJ ympK - 




Tl^ e Pli m pki n^ee ci , 





Tl^e D ) 5 c . 




Iris Germamca. 




on the vaLTious qviestions arising 

irv the care of an aqviariurrt 

or tKe -window garden. 



FIVE FOR 
ONE DOLLAR. 



HUGO MULERTT, 

(Member of the Imperial Russian 
Society of Acclimatization.) 

Publisher, 

BROOKLYN=NEW YORK. 

COPYRIGHT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 



ncnS" 



145 



MuLERTT's Waterproof Cement, 

In the market since 1877. 




This Cement is used to stop leaks in sinks, bath tubs, wooden, 
glass, china, marble, tin or iron vessels, gutters and tin roofs ; to set 
the glass in aquarium frames, and to paint iron surfaces exposed to 
water. 

It resists the action of fresh and sea water for years, and stops 
leaks where other cement fails", does it quicldy and permanently. 

Where a water-tight job is wanted, Mulertt's Waterproof Cement 
is'invaluable. 

DXFtSCTIONS. 

Mix this powder with boiled linseed oil on a saucer or pie plate with the aid of a 
knife. 

1. To stop leaks in a roof, gutter, tub or vessel mix to a thick paste, spread a thin 
but even layer on a piece of linen or cotton cloth, and paste this over the leak. 

2. To set glass into an aquarium frame, mix to consistency of putty, apply the 
cement as you would glue in gluing two pieces of board together, viz: spread the 
cement heavily over the frame and then press the glass gently against it. 

3. For setting plate glass in tanks where a heavy pressure is expected, or in a case 
where a repaired tank is to be refilled at once, mix rather stiff, then add copal varnish 
at the rate of a teaspoonful to every pound of cement, work all well together and 
apply heavy. 

,.4. If wanted as paint, mix the powder or the mixed cement with boiled linseed 
oil to consistency of cream. 



Put up in one and a half pound tin boxes. 
Directions on the label. 

Price per box, fifty cents ; cash with order. 

Send by express only, unless postage at the rate of one cent an 
ounce accompanies the order. 
t®° The Trade supplied. 

Address 

HUGO MULERTT, Sole Manufacturer, 
289 Fenimore Street, 

Brooklyn -New York. 
146 



THE KNY-SCHEERER CO. 



225-233 FOURTH AVENUE, 



NEW YORK. 



SCIENTIFIC APPARATUS 

AND INSTRUMENTS, CHEMICALS, ANATOM. MODELS, 

NATURAL HISTORY SPECIMENS 

AND PREPARATIONS, WALL CHARTS, 

MUSEUM AND NATURALISTS' SUPPLIES. 

LANTERN SLIDES. MICROSCOPES AND ACCESSORIES. 

Specialties : 
AQUARIA, PRESERVING FLUIDS, GLASS JARS. 



DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL SCIENCE. 

G. LAGAI, PH.D. 



147 



PROPER FOOD FOR ANIMALS 
is the foundation of success with them. 




Mulertt's Condensed Fish 
Food "IXL" is the proper 
food for Goldfish ! It is nutri- 
tious and wholesome to the fish, 
producing their typical shapes 
and colors, and securing that 
desirable pleasing motion that 
betells their satisfaction. 

The Superiority of this Food 
is acknowledged in all climes. 

It is also cheaper than any 
other food in the market. Being 
greatly condensed it is not bulky 
in appearance, but its nourishing 
qualities being greater, it goes 
farther than any other. One 
twenty-five cent box contains 
ample nourishment to keep three 
medium-sized goldfish in perfect 
condition for a year. 



ONCE TRIED, ALWAYS USED. 

Price, 25 cts. a box, five boxes for a dollar, prepaid by mail. 
If you cannot obtain it of your dealer, send for it direct. 

Address 

HUGO MULERTT, Sole Manufacturer, 
289 Fenimore Street, 

THE TRADE SUPPLIED. Brooklyn-New York. 

148 



STUMPP & WALTER CO. 



Seed and Bulb Groovers 
and Importers 



50 BARCLAY STREET, 

NEW YORK. 



BRANCH STORE: 

404 East 34th Street. 



TELEPHONE CONNECTIONS, 



149 




ESTABLISHED 1869. 



HUGO MULERTT, 
]^i(^l?-(irade /Aquarium Supplies 

ORNAMENTAL FISH AND AQUARIUM 
PLANTS. 

Publisher of 

Aquarium Literature. 



289 Fenimore Street (Flatbush), 

No Store, 
BROOKLYN-NEW YORK. 



RECEIVED HIGHEST PREMIUMS IN THIS COUNTRY 
AND EUROPE. 

I'So 



OCT 31 1902 




:^^^:i^;^^ 



